The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has criticised the Federal Government’s approval of ₦712 billion for the renovation of the Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos, describing the project as an outrageous misuse of public funds at a time when millions of Nigerians are battling economic hardship.
In a statement on Sunday, the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, condemned the decision, accusing President Bola Tinubu’s administration of prioritising vanity projects over critical sectors like education, healthcare, and infrastructure that directly impact the lives of ordinary citizens.
The ADC expressed shock over the Federal Executive Council’s (FEC) endorsement of the project, which was announced last week by Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo. The renovation, expected to be funded under the Renewed Hope Infrastructure Development Fund, marks the first major overhaul of the airport’s terminal since it was built decades ago.
But the ADC is not convinced.
“This is nothing but fiscal recklessness,” Abdullahi said. “In a country where public universities are in a state of decay, basic healthcare is out of reach for the poor, and poverty levels are skyrocketing, spending ₦712 billion on an airport that has recently undergone upgrades is an insult to struggling Nigerians.”
The party raised concerns about the transparency of the process, questioning whether the National Assembly approved such an enormous expenditure. It warned that bypassing legislative oversight on a project of this magnitude erodes public trust and undermines Nigeria’s democratic institutions.
Citing previous investments in the airport, the ADC recalled that a new international terminal was commissioned in March 2022 by former President Muhammadu Buhari. That facility, built on a 56,000 square metre site, boasts 66 check-in counters, a capacity to process 14 million passengers annually, and modern features including jet bridges, automated conveyor systems, advanced cooling units, duty-free areas, banks, children’s play zones, and a 22-room transit hotel.
Despite these upgrades, Abdullahi noted, the airport processed only 6.5 million passengers in 2024—less than half its designed capacity.
“This begs the question: which airport is this government renovating for ₦712 billion? Is it the same terminal that was declared world-class just two years ago, or is this another attempt to drain public funds under the guise of infrastructure development?” he asked.
The ADC also compared the proposed expenditure to the $500 million used in 2014 to build four new terminals across Abuja, Lagos, Kano, and Port Harcourt—funded through a Chinese loan that Nigeria is yet to fully repay.
According to the party, the same ₦712 billion could transform Nigeria’s critical sectors. It could build at least seven fully-equipped teaching hospitals, fund free basic education across three geopolitical zones for five years, electrify thousands of rural communities, or rehabilitate vast stretches of Nigeria’s failing road network.
“The priorities of this government are deeply flawed,” Abdullahi stated. “What the aviation sector needs is efficient management, regular maintenance, and investment in regional airports—not gold-plated terminals that serve as monuments to waste.”
The ADC called on Nigerians to reject what it described as a “frivolous” project, demanding an immediate halt to the renovation plan. The party urged for an independent audit of the proposed budget and a redirection of funds towards projects that would alleviate the suffering of the masses.
Abdullahi warned that approving such a massive project without legislative appropriation, cost breakdown, or public consultation is not only unconstitutional but will further widen the trust gap between the government and its citizens.
“With Nigeria’s debt profile ballooning and millions of citizens slipping into poverty, every naira spent must count. Reckless spending like this only confirms that the APC-led government is disconnected from the real challenges Nigerians face daily,” he concluded.