Lagos, 3 August 2025 –
The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has lambasted the Tinubu administration’s decision to allocate over ₦712 billion for the renovation of Lagos’s Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), branding it a “wasteful” and “misplaced priority” that underscores the government’s detachment from the plight of ordinary Nigerians.
In a strongly worded press statement released on Sunday, ADC National Publicity Secretary Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi questioned whether the project had secured approval from the National Assembly, describing the expenditure as “reckless and insensitive.” The opposition party argued that the funds would be better directed towards pressing national issues, such as chronic underfunding in public universities, inaccessible basic medical care, and widespread poverty exacerbated by government policies.
“The African Democratic Congress (ADC) strongly condemns the outrageous ₦712 billion airport renovation project announced by the Tinubu administration as another brazen act of fiscal recklessness and official insensitivity which further confirms how far this APC government is removed from the reality of the suffering people of Nigeria,” the statement read.
Abdullahi emphasised that the MMIA remains “functional and serviceable,” having undergone significant upgrades in recent years, and called for focus on maintenance, operational efficiency, and the development of regional airports to enhance nationwide connectivity rather than “another gold-plated terminal.”
The criticism comes just days after the Federal Executive Council (FEC) approved ₦712.258 billion for a comprehensive overhaul of the airport’s International Terminal One, as announced by Aviation Minister Festus Keyamo. The project, awarded to the China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation, is slated for completion within 22 to 24 months and includes a full dismantling and reconstruction of the terminal to improve safety and reduce weather-related disruptions. Keyamo defended the initiative as a “complete rebuild, not patchwork,” funded through savings from fuel subsidy removal, and incorporating smart technologies to align with international standards.
The Presidency echoed this stance, asserting that the renovation addresses long-standing infrastructure deficits at Nigeria’s busiest airport, which handles millions of passengers annually. Officials highlighted that the investment forms part of a broader ₦900 billion aviation sector plan, aimed at boosting economic growth through improved connectivity.
However, the ADC’s rebuke has resonated with other groups and social media users, amplifying concerns over fiscal priorities during a period of economic hardship. The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) labelled the upgrade “secretive and excessive,” questioning the transparency of the funding process. Online commentators drew comparisons to a previous ₦106 billion renovation under the Buhari administration, suggesting the current allocation could be inflated for ulterior motives, such as campaign financing ahead of the 2027 elections.
Critics also pointed to the project’s funding from the Renewed Hope Infrastructure Development Fund (RHIDF), a mechanism established by executive order to bypass traditional budgetary oversight. This fund, which draws from oil revenues outside the Federation Account Allocation Committee (FAAC), has been deemed illegal by some, as it circumvents the National Assembly’s constitutional role in appropriations. The RHIDF is also financing other major projects, including the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway, Sokoto-Badagry Expressway, and rail lines, raising fears of regional bias towards Lagos, President Tinubu’s home state.
