The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Mr. Festus Keyamo, on Wednesday in Lagos affirmed that the President Bola Tinubu’s dream of greener airports and infrastructure modernisation is taking full shape with the array of upgrades and construction work going on across airports in the country.
The Minister, while speaking after a tour of works at the hajj and new terminal building at the Murtala Mohammed International airport disclosed that he had directed that the new terminal be fitted with solar panels to power non aeronautical parts of the facilities as part of efforts to key into the transition to greener aviation.
The project form part of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN)’s Circular Economy Programme which Keyamo said must be designed with provision for solar panels to ensure that the roof serve as a solar field to supply electricity for non-aeronautical operations.
According to the Minister, the FAAN’s circular economy initiative aligns with global best practices which is being championed by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) and the Airports Council International, (ACI) as airports worldwide embrace cleaner energy, better waste management and reduced carbon emissions.
Keyamo likened the development to similar airports in the United Kingdom that already achieved zero emissions through extensive use of solar power, adding that Nigeria must follow the same path.
He commended FAAN for embracing sustainable airport development, describing the initiatives as being in consonant with President Bola Tinubu’s commitment to green energy and environmental sustainability.
Speaking at the FAAN newly renovated Hajj Terminal at the international wing, he retirated that it was part of President Bola Tinubu’s nationwide aviation infrastructure renewal aimed at delivering a seamless pilgrimage experience.
He remarked that the project reflected the President’s vision to revitalise airport infrastructure, adding that similar upgrades are underway across the country, with Kano and other Hajj terminals next in line.
The Minister described the renovated terminal as meeting high operational standards despite limited resources, noting that it now boasts modern passenger screening systems, improved boarding areas, dedicated prayer halls, and VIP and VVIP facilities.
He commended the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria, FAAN, led by Managing Director Mrs. Olubunmi Kuku, for delivering the project.
Mrs. Kuku explained that the terminal has the capacity of processing between 8,500 and 10,000 pilgrims during the Hajj season, explaining that the once-dilapidated facility has been transformed into a modern passenger terminal with improved cooling systems, immigration and customs processing areas.
Others are, baggage facilities, prayer halls, lounges, and fully equipped VIP and VVIP suites to enhance passenger comfort.
Chairman of the FAAN Board, Dr. Abdullahi Ganduje, described the renovation as clear evidence that the Federal Government’s aviation reforms are yielding results.
According to him, the transformation demonstrates effective implementation of the Renewed Hope agenda and has already earned positive feedback from pilgrims.
