Lagos Commits To Lekki Airport Project Amid Delays
The Lagos State Government has clarified that there are no legal disputes delaying the construction of the Lekki International Airport, a much-anticipated project designed to complement the Murtala Muhammed Airport and serve the rapidly growing Lekki, Ajah, and Epe corridors.
According to the state Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Gbenga Omotoso, all necessary documentation has been submitted to the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), clearing the path for the project’s commencement. Omotoso further emphasized that the airport’s construction would be funded through a public-private partnership, ensuring minimal strain on the state’s finances.
The Federal Government approved the project on October 10, 2022, with a capacity to serve about five million passengers annually. During the handover of the approval letter to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, the then Minister of Aviation, Hadi Sirika, underscored Lagos’ qualification for the project due to its economic and cosmopolitan significance.
Concerns had emerged in October 2024 about potential legal hurdles tied to a dispute with Bi-Courtney Aviation Services Limited, a terminal operator in Lagos, which raised fears of contract violations. However, Omotoso dismissed these claims, stating, “I am not aware of any legal obstacles… There are no legal encumbrances.”
The Lekki International Airport project is part of Lagos State’s ambitious vision to enhance infrastructure and boost the region’s economic prospects. Earlier this year, Omotoso confirmed that the project was a priority in the state’s N2.2 trillion 2024 budget. The airport will be located in the Aiyetoro area, with significant interest from private investors already recorded.
Omotoso acknowledged that while the project’s completion timeline could not be fixed due to the need to secure funding, Governor Sanwo-Olu is committed to delivering the airport before the end of his tenure. He reassured residents that progress was being made, noting that the project remained a top priority for the administration.
The Lekki International Airport is expected to play a transformative role in Lagos State’s aviation sector, reducing the pressure on Murtala Muhammed Airport and fostering economic growth in the Lekki Free Trade Zone and surrounding areas.
