The Federal Government has intensified efforts to position Lagos as Africa’s leading aviation hub, with Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, unveiling major infrastructure projects and investment opportunities aimed at transforming the city into a global gateway for air transport and commerce.

Speaking at the opening of the Invest Lagos 3.0 Summit in Lagos, Keyamo called on international investors to take advantage of the vast opportunities in Nigeria’s aviation sector, describing Lagos as the natural hub for regional and intercontinental connectivity.

The three-day summit, convened by Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, attracted global investors, business leaders, policymakers and development partners. The event was chaired by Vice President Kashim Shettima and attended by governors from several states and other top government officials.

Highlighting Lagos’ strategic importance, the minister disclosed that about 67 per cent of all international air passengers entering Nigeria arrive through Lagos, reinforcing its status as the country’s foremost aviation gateway.

According to him, Lagos’ geographical location provides a significant advantage, placing major destinations in Europe, the Middle East, Southern Africa and South America within approximately six hours of flight time.

“Lagos is strategically positioned to become a major aviation hub connecting Africa with the rest of the world,” Keyamo said.

The minister revealed that President Bola Tinubu has approved a $500 million investment for the comprehensive reconstruction and modernization of the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos.

He said the project would transform the over 50-year-old airport into a world-class facility capable of competing with leading aviation hubs on the continent.

“This is an investment from the nation’s resources to create a modern airport that Nigerians will be proud of. Within the next twenty-two months, the transformation will be evident to all,” he stated.

Keyamo also announced plans to improve access to the airport through the extension of the Lagos rail network. He said the Federal Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development is working with the Lagos State Government to connect the rail line from Ikeja to the General Aviation Terminal, MM2 and the international terminal.

The rail project, he explained, will improve passenger movement, reduce travel time and strengthen Lagos’ position as a preferred destination for air travellers and investors.

The minister further assured investors of the Federal Government’s commitment to protecting investments and fostering a business-friendly environment, citing the successful resolution of a long-standing dispute involving a private airport investor as evidence of the administration’s support for private sector participation.

He urged investors attending the summit to explore opportunities in both federal aviation infrastructure projects and the proposed airport development along the Lekki corridor.

Keyamo expressed confidence that ongoing reforms and infrastructure investments would enable Lagos to rival some of Africa’s most established aviation centres while reinforcing Nigeria’s position as a leading destination for trade, tourism and investment.

The management of Murtala Muhammed International Airport has rolled out sweeping new safety measures aimed at tightening operational discipline and reducing safety risks across Nigeria’s busiest aviation gateway.

The measures were announced after an emergency meeting of the airport’s Safety Committee, a body comprising safety managers from key airport stakeholders who regularly review operational concerns and recommend solutions.

In one of its strongest actions yet, the Committee reduced the speed limit for vehicles operating within the International Terminal Zone 1 construction corridor from 15km/h to 10km/h due to ongoing rehabilitation works at the E-Wing and D-Wing, which have significantly narrowed operational space. Authorities said fresh signage would be deployed immediately to enforce compliance, while the 15km/h limit remains applicable in ITZ 2 areas.

The newly inaugurated Airside Taskforce has also commenced operations, with responsibility for monitoring all personnel, vehicles and equipment operating within restricted airport zones.

Airport authorities warned that reckless driving, smoking, alcohol consumption and other unsafe practices on the airside would attract strict sanctions. Mandatory alcohol testing has now been introduced for relevant operators, while unserviceable vehicles and faulty equipment causing oil leaks or pavement damage will be impounded and fined.

The Committee also identified Foreign Object Debris (FOD) as a growing operational threat and consequently banned the sale of sachet alcoholic drinks within the airport environment. Officials said the decision became necessary following concerns over debris contamination capable of endangering aircraft safety.

According to the Committee, improved housekeeping, proper waste disposal and stricter environmental discipline would now be aggressively enforced across the airport.

The meeting further addressed rising incidents of fuel and oil spills, warning that organisations responsible for such violations would face sanctions, especially as the incidents continue to place pressure on Aerodrome Rescue and Fire Fighting Services coverage.

On communication protocols, the Committee reaffirmed that all airside communication must operate on designated frequencies, while restricting the use of handheld radios within prohibited ranges to avoid interference with pilots and Air Traffic Control operations.

It also reiterated approved reflective jacket standards, specifying lemon green for general personnel and orange strictly for marshallers.

The Committee acknowledged additional operational challenges, including congestion at arrival halls during peak periods, baggage handling delays, damaged taxiway infrastructure, poor road conditions and access control concerns at ramp entrances.

However, the Regional General Manager assured stakeholders that all identified issues would be escalated for immediate attention.

The Committee stressed that safety remains the foundation of airport operations and urged all stakeholders to comply fully with established operational procedures and regulatory standards.

The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) has assured passengers and stakeholders of enhanced Ebola preparedness measures across the nation’s international airports following recent Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) concerns in parts of Central Africa.

FAAN said it had strengthened surveillance, passenger monitoring, and emergency response systems in collaboration with Port Health Services, the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC), and other relevant agencies.

In a statement signed by the Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, Mr. Henry Agbebire, the authority disclosed that passengers arriving from high-risk regions are currently undergoing intensified health screening procedures at airports nationwide.

According to the statement, passengers are being screened for symptoms associated with Ebola, while any suspected case would be immediately isolated and subjected to secondary health checks in line with national and international health protocols.

FAAN stated that additional preventive measures had also been activated to strengthen the country’s preparedness against any possible outbreak.

The authority noted that coordination among aviation, health, and emergency response stakeholders had been reinforced to ensure swift and effective action whenever necessary.

It further disclosed that airport personnel had undergone increased sensitisation programmes, while emergency response procedures had been strengthened across airport facilities to improve readiness and operational safety.

“While there is currently no confirmed case of Ebola in Nigeria, FAAN remains vigilant and fully committed to safeguarding public health and maintaining safe airport operations,” the statement said.

The agency urged passengers to remain calm, cooperate with health officials during screening procedures, and promptly report any symptoms or health concerns to relevant authorities.

FAAN reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining safe, secure, and healthy airport environments while supporting national public health protection measures.

The authority added that continuous monitoring and collaboration with health agencies would remain in place to ensure Nigeria’s airports sustain global health and safety standards.