Nigeria is intensifying efforts to redefine its aviation future through the ongoing transformation of Murtala Muhammed International Airport into a modern smart airport designed to meet global standards in safety, efficiency and passenger experience.

The large-scale remodelling of the country’s busiest international gateway represents the most extensive overhaul of the facility in nearly five decades and is expected to reposition Nigeria more competitively within Africa’s aviation sector.

The project includes the installation of biometric processing systems, electronic gates, advanced baggage handling technology, upgraded screening systems, expanded access roads and modern surveillance infrastructure.

According to FAAN Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, Henry Agbebire, the transformation reflects a broader national strategy to modernise the aviation ecosystem in line with international best practices and growing global demand for digitally enabled airports.

“What is happening at MMIA goes far beyond renovation. It is a national statement. It is Nigeria announcing to the world that its aviation future will no longer be defined by ageing infrastructure, but by smart systems, operational efficiency, safety, technology and a renewed passenger experience,” Agbebire stated.

The authority explained that despite the scale of reconstruction, airport operations have continued through temporary operational arrangements carefully designed to minimise disruptions for passengers and airlines.

Agbebire added that the remodelling would significantly improve passenger flow, operational turnaround time, passenger comfort and airport security coordination upon completion.

The project is also expected to strengthen tourism, trade, cargo movement, conference tourism and foreign direct investment through improved aviation infrastructure and operational reliability.

“A modern airport does more than process passengers. It influences tourism, trade, cargo movement, foreign direct investment, airline route expansion and regional integration,” Agbebire noted.

Officials further stressed that the ongoing reforms under the Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development and FAAN management are aimed at improving infrastructure, operational reliability and service delivery across Nigeria’s airports.

Industry stakeholders expressed confidence that the upgraded MMIA would enhance Nigeria’s image as a leading aviation and business destination while improving travel experience for millions of passengers annually.

As construction advances toward completion, aviation authorities believe the transformed MMIA will emerge as a flagship gateway reflecting innovation, resilience, efficiency and global relevance.

Shareholders of Nigerian Aviation Handling Company have urged the company to bid for the Federal Government’s planned airport concessions after the aviation handling giant posted a strong N65.82 billion revenue for the 2025 financial year.

The shareholders made the call at the company’s 45th Annual General Meeting in Lagos, where they commended NAHCO’s impressive financial growth, rising market value and expanding operations across the aviation sector.

President of the Association for the Advancement of Rights of Nigerian Shareholders, Dr. Farouk Umar, said the company now possesses the financial strength and operational capacity to manage airport terminals under the Federal Government’s proposed privatization programme.

According to him, NAHCO’s consistent growth and expanding international operations position it as a strong contender for airport terminal management under the planned Public-Private Partnership arrangement.

He noted that the company’s share price rose from about N80 to over N200 within one year, while new businesses secured from Fly Gabon, Saudi and Qatar operations would further strengthen revenue and profitability.

The Federal Government plans to privatise and concession five major international airport terminals through a Public-Private Partnership model to be supervised by the Bureau of Public Enterprises and the Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development.

Speaking at the AGM, Chairman of NAHCO Group, Dr. Seinde Oladapo Fadeni, said the company achieved significant growth across major performance indicators in 2025 through operational efficiency and disciplined cost management.

Fadeni said the board recommended a dividend payment of N6.25 alongside a bonus issue of one share for every seven shares held for the 2025 financial year.

He added that despite the impact of inflation and rising fuel prices on operations, the company remained committed to sustaining growth and expanding into new business opportunities.

Group Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of NAHCO, Mr. Olumuyiwa Olumekun, said the company had continued to strengthen its position as West Africa’s largest aviation services and logistics group.

According to him, NAHCO recorded a 188 per cent year-on-year stock growth with market capitalization exceeding N200 billion.

Olumekun also disclosed that the company had launched a five-year strategic diversification plan aimed at increasing revenue beyond N300 billion through new ventures and collaborations.

He further revealed that NAHCO acquired over 271 new ground support equipment units within the last three years as part of efforts to modernize operations with fuel-efficient and environmentally friendly assets.

Financial figures presented at the AGM showed that the company’s revenue increased by 22.93 per cent from N53.54 billion in 2024 to N65.82 billion in 2025.

Profit before tax rose by 29.83 per cent from N18.70 billion to N24.28 billion, while profit after tax grew by 36.02 per cent from N12.87 billion in 2024 to N17.5 billion in 2025.

Earnings per share also increased by 36.14 per cent from N6.60 in 2024 to N8.99 in 2025.

Another shareholder, Mr. Patrick Ajudua, praised the company’s management for delivering improved returns and sustaining strong growth despite economic challenges.

During the meeting, shareholders approved the appointment of PwC as the company’s external auditor in place of EY, while Abdulhamid Aliyu, Reverend Victor Abimbola Olaiya and Mrs. Adebisi Oluwayemisi Bakare were re-elected as non-executive directors.

A Lagos-bound aircraft operated by Air Peace on its London Gatwick route was forced to return safely to Nigeria after encountering airspace access issues during the journey.

The airline disclosed in a statement on Wednesday that the disruption affected its scheduled Lagos–London Gatwick service of May 13, 2026.

According to the airline, the aircraft returned to Lagos after operational concerns arose involving the airspace authorities of an African country during the flight.

Air Peace stated that the decision to return the aircraft was taken in line with international aviation safety procedures while urgent clarifications were sought from the relevant authorities.

Following the incident, the airline rescheduled the London Gatwick service and immediately notified affected passengers.

The carrier added that passengers received support services, communication updates, and other necessary assistance during the disruption.

Air Peace apologised for the inconvenience caused, stressing that the situation was beyond the airline’s control.

The airline also assured the flying public of its continued commitment to safety, regulatory compliance, and efficient passenger service across its operations.