The Federal Government is partnering with the Lagos State Government to extend the state’s rail mass transit network directly into the Murtala Muhammed Airport (MMA) terminals.
Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, announced the plan at the Invest Lagos 3.0 summit. Keyamo said the proposed rail extension would run from Ikeja through the general aviation terminal (GAT), the Murtala Muhammed Airport Terminal Two (MM2), and the international terminal.
He said the project forms part of efforts to strengthen multimodal connectivity and support Lagos’ position as a major aviation hub.
“Lagos is ready for the next big step in aviation development,” the minister said.
“The rail extension project will further enhance connectivity and support the state’s growing status as a regional aviation hub.”
Highlighting the federal government’s massive investment in aviation infrastructure, Keyamo said President Bola Tinubu has approved a $500 million investment for the comprehensive modernisation and reconstruction of the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos.
“This is not borrowed money. It is an investment from the nation’s resources aimed at transforming a fifty-year-old airport into a world-class aviation hub,” he said.
“Within the next twenty-two months, Nigerians and visitors alike will witness a remarkable transformation that will make us all proud.”
The minister also said the Tinubu administration remains committed to encouraging private sector participation and resolving long-standing investment disputes.
‘LAGOS IS LEADING AVIATION HUB IN AFRICA’
Keyamo described Lagos as Nigeria’s foremost aviation gateway, noting that the state accounts for 67 percent of international passenger traffic into the country.
He said Lagos possesses a strategic geographic advantage that positions it to become a leading aviation hub on the continent.
“Within approximately six hours, travellers can reach Europe, the Middle East, Southern Africa and South America. This geographical advantage makes Lagos ideally suited to serve as a central hub connecting Africa with the rest of the world,” Keyamo said.
He expressed confidence that with ongoing investments and reforms, Lagos would soon rival established African aviation hubs such as Addis Ababa and Togo.
Commending Babajide Sanwo-Olu, the governor of Lagos state, for his investor-friendly policies and support for private enterprise, the minister urged investors to explore opportunities in both federal and state-owned aviation infrastructure projects, including the proposed airport along the Lekki corridor.
