The Federal Government has reaffirmed its commitment to modernizing aviation infrastructure through the rehabilitation and upgrade of the Hajj Terminal at Lagos Airport.
Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Mr. Festus Keyamo, SAN, disclosed this during an inspection of the upgraded facility on Wednesday.
Keyamo attributed the project to President Bola Tinubu’s vision to revitalize aviation infrastructure nationwide.
He stated that the Hajj Terminal upgrade is part of broader airport improvements, including the ongoing reconstruction of the Lagos Airport terminal.
The minister also mentioned the resurfacing of the Kano Airport runway as another project under the Federal Government’s aviation infrastructure program.
According to him, the President has consistently prioritized aviation investments to enhance passenger experience and service delivery.
Keyamo explained that the Hajj Terminal project aims to facilitate a seamless annual pilgrimage for Nigerian Muslims.
“This is just one of many steps mandated by the President. The goal is to ensure our pilgrims enjoy a smooth Hajj experience,” he said.
He added that similar upgrades would be carried out at Hajj terminals across the country, starting with Kano, under a broader improvement initiative.
He commended the Chairman of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) Board, its Managing Director, and the management team.
Keyamo expressed satisfaction with the facility’s transformation despite resource constraints faced by the government.
“Within our resource limits, you can see how much has been accomplished,” he stated.
He highlighted improvements to the prayer rooms, VIP section, general boarding area, screening machines, and other facilities.
“We are very impressed with what we have seen here,” the minister remarked.
FAAN Managing Director Mrs. Olubunmi Kuku said the terminal could process between 8,500 and 10,000 passengers during the Hajj season.
However, she noted that actual passenger volume depends on Lagos’s annual allocation.
She explained that the terminal had previously deteriorated significantly, prompting the government to undertake comprehensive rehabilitation.
The upgrades include redesigned waiting areas, functional cooling systems, and improved immigration and customs processing areas.
She also listed modern check-in counters, enhanced baggage handling facilities, and dedicated prayer areas for male and female pilgrims.
Kuku added that the project also upgraded the VIP and VVIP lounges to enhance comfort before departure.
The VVIP facilities include private rooms, sleeping areas, en-suite bathrooms, showers, lounges, and kitchenettes.
FAAN Board Chairman Dr. Abdullahi Ganduje praised the transformation, emphasizing that effective implementation delivers real value to Nigerians.
He commended Keyamo for driving the aviation reform agenda and FAAN management for translating policy into tangible improvements.
Ganduje highlighted that feedback from users has been overwhelmingly positive, with many acknowledging facility and service improvements.
The inspection tour was conducted alongside aviation journalists.
