Fire at MMIA Accelerates Demolition of Old Terminal

A fire incident at Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA) in Lagos on Monday has led the Nigerian government to accelerate plans for the demolition of the old terminal. Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, inspected the damage on Tuesday and noted that the fire caused significant destruction, including the loss of vital equipment belonging to the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet).

Six individuals were injured in the blaze, which also trapped air traffic control personnel inside the control tower. Keyamo stated that the fire would hasten the relocation of airline operations and the demolition of the nearly 50-year-old terminal, which has suffered from years of neglect.

Temporary arrangements are being made to ensure continued weather forecasting operations. Keyamo emphasized that safety remains a priority and that reconstruction plans are already in motion, with contractors on-site preparing for the demolition and construction of a new terminal.