Dr. Umar Ganduje, Chairman of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), says recent upgrades at Murtala Muhammed International Airport have improved its facilities and brought the airport closer to international standards.
Speaking during a tour of completed and ongoing works at the Lagos airport on Sunday, Dr. Ganduje highlighted new scanners, automated e‑gates and other technology that have sped up passenger processing. He said these additions are helping to modernize the airport and improve the traveler experience.
He praised President Bola Tinubu and FAAN management for creating an environment that supports the growth of private airlines. According to Dr. Ganduje, better airport infrastructure has reduced the failure rate among private carriers and helped them move toward profitability.
Dr. Ganduje also noted that FAAN has secured important aviation certifications that raise Nigeria’s safety profile and boost confidence among international partners. He expressed hope that continued improvements will make future certifications easier to obtain.
During the inspection, he saw several ongoing projects and a number of abandoned sites that need urgent attention. He warned that safety, security and infrastructure gaps must be fixed to ensure smooth operations and to maintain passenger confidence. Addressing these issues, he said, will also help attract more foreign carriers.
Dr. Ganduje urged FAAN to invest in landscaping to improve first impressions for visitors. He stressed the importance of reliable runway lighting for safe takeoffs and landings on both domestic and international routes.
He also raised concerns about security and called on agencies such as Customs, Immigration and the NDLEA to coordinate better and raise their service standards so passengers can move through the airport without delay.
On other projects, Dr. Ganduje confirmed that the contract for a second runway at Kano Airport has been awarded and that work has begun on site. He said the FAAN board will continue visiting airports across the country to monitor progress and identify further needs.
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