FAAN Chairman Inspects Fire Damage at Lagos MMIA Terminal One
Aviation News Editor & Industry Analyst delivering clear coverage for a worldwide audience.
FAAN's Chairman inspected significant fire damage at MMIA Terminal One, praising the emergency response while an official investigation is pending.
Key Takeaways
- •FAAN Chairman assesses fire damage at Lagos' MMIA Terminal One.
- •Highlights effective response from over 150 firefighters, which prevented fatalities.
- •Incident occurs amid a major terminal renovation and modernization project.
- •An official investigation into the fire's cause is currently underway by FAAN management.
The Chairman of the Board of Directors for the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), Dr. Abdullahi Ganduje, has conducted an on-site assessment of damage at Terminal One of Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA) following a recent fire. The inspection underscores the authority's focus on safety protocols and operational resilience at Nigeria's busiest international gateway.
The incident, which affected sensitive equipment, has brought renewed attention to the airport's infrastructure and emergency response capabilities. While the fire caused significant material damage, an immediate and large-scale response prevented fatalities. The event occurs as MMIA is undergoing a comprehensive modernization project, highlighting the challenges of maintaining safety standards during major upgrades.
Incident Details and Response
The fire reportedly originated from the IT server room located on the third floor of Terminal 1, according to the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service. The incident prompted a swift and substantial emergency response, with over 150 firefighters deployed to the scene. Their efforts were crucial in containing and extinguishing the blaze, preventing its spread throughout the nearly 50-year-old structure.
While FAAN confirmed that no deaths were recorded, some reports indicated that six individuals sustained non-fatal injuries. The fire caused temporary disruptions to flight schedules and led to a brief closure of the airfield to ensure the safety of operations. FAAN management is currently compiling a detailed report on the incident's cause and the full extent of the damage, which is not yet publicly available.
Leadership Assessment and Modernization Context
During his visit, Dr. Ganduje, accompanied by the FAAN Board of Directors, emphasized the importance of a firsthand evaluation. "We decided to be here in order to see for ourselves, because we say seeing is believing," he told reporters in Lagos. He commended the efforts of the airport's management and emergency crews, stating, "We have to congratulate the Managing Director, Mrs Olubunmi Kuku, and her management team. Also, the firefighters, over 150 of them, who were around until the fire was completely quenched."
Dr. Ganduje acknowledged the loss of critical infrastructure. "We have seen that a lot of very sensitive equipment has been destroyed, but no death was recorded anyway. I think the situation is under control, but it is unfortunate," he added. An official investigation into the root cause is underway.
The fire incident occurs against the backdrop of a major renovation of MMIA Terminal 1. The project is a key component of Nigeria's aviation reform agenda, aimed at upgrading the airport's aging facilities to modern international standards. Dr. Ganduje also inspected the newly constructed temporary terminal, an 8,000-square-meter departure hall designed to handle operations during the main terminal's overhaul. He praised the quality of the new construction, noting, "I thought I was in one of the well-developed foreign international airports, but I am happy to see that I am in Nigeria and in Lagos. The quality of work is beautiful."
The overarching goal of the MMIA rehabilitation project is to significantly boost passenger handling capabilities, with projections targeting an annual capacity of 17.6 million passengers upon completion.
What Comes Next
The immediate focus for the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria is to complete its investigation into the fire. The report, being prepared by Managing Director Olubunmi Kuku and her team, is expected to outline the cause, assess the full financial and operational impact, and recommend measures to prevent future occurrences. The findings will likely inform safety protocols and construction practices for the remainder of the terminal modernization project. Timelines for the repair of the damaged sections and the replacement of destroyed equipment have not yet been disclosed, pending the final damage assessment.
Why This Matters
This incident at a key African aviation hub serves as a critical test of FAAN's emergency preparedness and safety oversight. It highlights the inherent risks associated with upgrading legacy airport infrastructure while maintaining continuous operations. For the broader industry, the event underscores the necessity of integrating robust fire safety and risk management protocols directly into large-scale airport modernization and expansion projects.
For in-depth airline coverage and commercial aviation news, flying.flights delivers timely industry insights. From aircraft production to supply chains, commercial aviation manufacturing news is covered at flying.flights/manufacturing.
Written by Ujjwal Sukhwani
Aviation News Editor & Industry Analyst delivering clear coverage for a worldwide audience. Covers flight operations, safety regulations, and market trends with expert analysis.
Visit Profile
