The expanded phase one of the General Aviation Terminal in Lagos with capacity for 1024 passengers has gulped Two billion,two hundred million(N2.2b). It was commissioned on Monday,May 22,2023.

Speaking at the commissioning ceremony, Minister of Aviation and Aerospace,Senator Hadi Sirika said the project was conceived to address the decades-long limited capacity challenge of the terminal.

He said that the geometric increase in population of Nigeria, which resulted in increase in passenger volume has overwhelmed available facilities at this terminal

As part of efforts to address this challenge, he explained, the Federal Government at some point developed the Zulu terminal to complement the existing old terminal, but the capacity limitation situation still persisted.

“Oftentimes, particularly at peak periods, you will observe that facilities in this terminal are usually overstretched because the volume of passengers using the facilities far outweighs the capacity available.”

“We therefore evaluated the situation, and decided to expand the terminal, as a short term measure to address the situation. It is our intention to build a new and much bigger domestic terminal in the nearest future.”

He indicated that “The facility we are commissioning today is a product of that thought, and it is only the first phase of the project. As soon as we put this to use, we hope that the incoming administration will continue with the construction of the second phase.”

Sirika told aviators and workers who gathered to witness the ceremony that the facility contains brand new protocol lounges, airline office spaces, VIP lounges, with the complements of conveniences that will enhance safety, security and comfort of our esteemed passengers.

“The project started early last year, and I am glad that the first phase was completed in record time, and is being commissioned today.”

“Permit me to express our profound appreciation to the President Muhammadu Buhari led administration for approving and providing necessary resources for this project. I will also like to express our gratitude to the contractor in charge of the project, Messrs Glovesly Pro-Project Limited, indeed, they have shown high level of responsibility and professionalism. Let me also use this opportunity to appreciate our team of Engineers in FAAN, who laboured tirelessly to ensure the delivery of this project. We are grateful to you all.”

The Minister said that he was very confident that the provision of this facility will enhance passenger facilitation at this terminal, and will also improve the revenue generation of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria( FAAN.)