Keyamo orders solar power for new Lagos airport terminal

The Federal Government has directed that the new terminal under construction at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), Lagos, be fitted with solar panels to power its non-aeronautical facilities, as part of efforts to promote green aviation and reduce carbon emissions.

Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, disclosed this in Lagos on Wednesday during the launch of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN)’s Circular Economy Programme, saying the directive aligns with Nigeria’s transition to cleaner and more sustainable airport operations.

Keyamo said the terminal’s roof would be designed to function as a solar field capable of generating electricity for non-aeronautical activities within the facility.

According to him, the initiative is consistent with global aviation sustainability standards being promoted by the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) and the Airports Council International (ACI), which encourage airports to adopt renewable energy, improve waste management and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

He noted that several airports in the United Kingdom have already attained net-zero emissions through extensive deployment of solar energy, stressing that Nigeria must embrace similar measures to modernise its aviation infrastructure.

The minister commended FAAN for introducing the Circular Economy Programme, describing it as a practical demonstration of President Bola Tinubu’s commitment to renewable energy, environmental sustainability and the Renewed Hope Agenda.

Earlier, Keyamo inspected the newly renovated Hajj Terminal at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, describing the facility as part of the Federal Government’s nationwide airport renewal programme designed to improve passenger experience, particularly for pilgrims.

He said the rehabilitation reflects the administration’s determination to modernise aviation infrastructure nationwide, adding that similar upgrades would be extended to Hajj terminals in Kano and other locations.

The minister noted that despite limited resources, the renovated terminal now meets high operational standards, featuring modern passenger screening systems, upgraded boarding facilities, dedicated prayer halls, improved baggage handling areas and fully equipped VIP and VVIP lounges.

He commended FAAN, led by its Managing Director, Mrs Olubunmi Kuku, for successfully delivering the project.

Kuku said the upgraded terminal has the capacity to process between 8,500 and 10,000 pilgrims during the Hajj season, adding that the once-dilapidated facility has been transformed into a modern passenger terminal with enhanced cooling systems, immigration and customs processing areas, improved baggage facilities and expanded passenger comfort amenities.

Chairman of the FAAN Board, Dr Abdullahi Ganduje, described the project as evidence that the Federal Government’s aviation reform programme is delivering tangible results.

He said the transformation has already attracted positive feedback from pilgrims and demonstrates the successful implementation of the Renewed Hope agenda in the aviation sector.