For over six decades, Lagos has been Nigeria's commercial nerve center, boasting a massive population and thriving commerce. Yet, despite its status as West Africa's busiest aviation hub, the state has relied solely on Murtala Muhammed Airport (MMA), which handles more than 40 percent of the nation's annual air passenger traffic, according to the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority's 2024 Annual Traffic Summary. With an estimated 17 million residents, Lagos operates just one airport, while London, with roughly half the population, has six major airports.
Long-Standing Ambition for a Second Airport
The Lagos State Government has long sought to construct and own an airport to ease congestion and provide an alternative for travelers. However, legal battles between the Federal Government and Bi-Courtney Aviation Services Limited (BASL), operator of Murtala Muhammed Airport Two (MMA2), stalled progress. The MMA2 terminal launched on May 7, 2007, and the state government first proposed the Lekki-Epe International Airport in 2009 under a public-private partnership (PPP) on 3,500 hectares of land.
By 2011, the government, through consultants, advertised a request for pre-qualification (RFPQ), attracting 33 Nigerian and international firms. Notable Nigerian firms included NAHCO Aviance, Julius Berger Nigeria Plc, Arab Contractors Nigeria Limited, and Cappa 'Alberto Plc. International firms comprised Munich Airport Germany, Hyundai Engineering and Construction Co Limited (South Korea), Canadian Commercial Corporation, and Orascom Construction Industries.
In 2025, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu announced a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Russia's Summa Group for the airport's development. He described it as transformative, aiming to improve connectivity, boost economic growth, and attract global investments. However, progress stalled due to an exclusivity clause in the MMA2 concession agreement that prohibited another airport in the state during the concession period.
Resolution of the MMA2 Dispute
Last week, the Federal Government and BASL resolved the protracted dispute over the MMA2 concession and related agreements. Aviation Minister Festus Keyamo announced that the exclusivity clause had been relinquished, clearing the path for the Lekki-Epe International Airport. He stated, 'This strategic move ensures the Federal Government begins earning immediate revenue from the revitalised arrangement. It unlocks the full commercial and operational potential of MMA2 and clears encumbrances hindering broader infrastructure development, including the proposed Lekki International Airport.'
Aviation experts view this as a pivotal step. They argue that existing facilities at MMA are overstretched and that a new airport is essential for Lagos.
Expert Perspectives on the New Airport
Aviation consultant Adebayo Adesanya called the development a game-changer. He explained that the airport would enhance connectivity to the proposed coastal road, Lekki-Victoria Island, and Eko Atlantic, which are hubs for residential and commercial activities. Adesanya noted, 'The population of Lagos is big enough to service two airports. It will benefit the people, investors, and Nigerians as a whole. The new airport will not affect FAAN's revenue but will drive better service delivery in a competitive environment.' He added that the airport would serve commercial, cargo, flight training, military, search and rescue, and recreational flying needs.
Olumide Ohunayo, Director of Research at Zenith Travel Ltd, emphasized that Lagos needs an additional airport to accelerate growth. He suggested the Lekki-Epe Airport would primarily cater to low-cost carriers and passengers to the Island, while international and scheduled flights would remain at MMA. 'Quality services and cost will determine which airport airlines use. The Lagos State Government is tying an airline to that airport, which it will own. I see no threat to FAAN, but FAAN should improve its game to earn more revenue,' he said.
Aviation analyst Chris Amokwu noted that the resolution removed a major psychological and policy barrier. He stated, 'The Lekki-Epe Airport is strategically located near the Lekki Free Trade Zone, Dangote Refinery, and major industrial clusters. Over 50 percent of frequent air travelers in Lagos reside or do business in the Victoria Island–Lekki corridor, making a second airport urgent.' He added that redistributing passenger traffic would decongest MMA and improve operational efficiency across the aviation ecosystem.
Economic and Operational Implications
The new airport is expected to act as an economic driver for Lagos, unlocking billions in investments and reshaping Nigeria's connectivity to global markets. Experts propose that a reputable airport company manage the facility on behalf of the state government, rather than a full concession. With the exclusivity clause removed, the Lekki-Epe International Airport project can now proceed without ambiguity, promising a transformative impact on Lagos' aviation landscape.
