An Airport or a Luxury Project?

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has blasted the federal government’s approval of a staggering ₦712.3 billion for the upgrade of Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, calling it one of the most wasteful and insensitive projects in recent memory.

In a sharply worded statement issued by the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, the ADC questioned the morality and legality of allocating such a huge sum to renovate a facility that already underwent major upgrades just two years ago — while Nigerian universities, hospitals, and rural communities continue to suffer neglect.

ADC: “This Is Extravagance, Not Development”

At the heart of the criticism is what the ADC calls the disconnect between the APC government and the suffering of ordinary Nigerians. The statement described the project as “another brazen act of fiscal recklessness,” adding that the administration has again demonstrated its tone-deafness in the face of hunger, poverty, and failing infrastructure nationwide.

“How does it make sense to sink ₦712 billion into renovating an airport that already has modern infrastructure — while our public hospitals are death traps and university lecturers remain unpaid?” the party asked.

A Terminal Already Upgraded – So What’s New?

The ADC pointed out that the same Murtala Muhammed International Airport had its new terminal commissioned by former President Muhammadu Buhari in March 2022. That terminal, the party noted, was:

• Built on 56,000 square metres

• Equipped with 66 check-in counters

• Able to process 14 million passengers annually

• Fitted with 7 jet bridges, censored conveyor belts, 22-room hotel, and children’s play zones

Despite these upgrades, only 6.5 million passengers reportedly passed through the airport in 2024 — less than half of its total capacity.

“So, is this renovation for the same airport? Or is there another Lagos airport we don’t know about?” the ADC asked, adding, “Either the last administration lied, or this administration is spending billions on a project that already exists.”

No National Assembly Approval? ADC Raises Alarm

One of the most troubling aspects of the project, according to the ADC, is that the ₦712 billion expenditure was allegedly approved by the Federal Executive Council (FEC) without National Assembly backing, public breakdown of costs, or transparent procurement process.

“How did we get here — where almost ₦1 trillion is approved with no public debate, no budget line, and no constitutional accountability?” the party asked.

The ADC questioned the legal basis for the expenditure and demanded to know under what constitutional provision such a colossal project was approved without parliamentary scrutiny.

What ₦712 Billion Could Do Instead

The party compared the ₦712 billion renovation cost to other pressing needs, emphasizing how such funds could bring transformative benefits if redirected:

• Build 7 fully equipped teaching hospitals

• Fund free basic education in 3 geopolitical zones for 5 years

• Electrify thousands of rural communities

• Rehabilitate thousands of kilometers of roads and bridges

• Create employment opportunities in local infrastructure projects

“This isn’t just bad economics; it’s bad ethics. It sends a message that the government is more interested in vanity projects than the people it serves,” the statement added.

ADC’s Call to Action: Suspend and Audit the Project

The ADC called on Nigerians, lawmakers, and civil society organizations to reject the airport project and demand its immediate suspension. The party also urged the government to submit the renovation plan to an independent audit and reallocate the funds to more urgent, life-changing projects.

“Reckless spending amid nationwide hunger and insecurity will only deepen the trust deficit between government and citizens,” the party warned.

Conclusion: Opulence Amidst Suffering

In a time when millions of Nigerians are grappling with inflation, food shortages, poor healthcare, and collapsing education, the government’s decision to spend ₦712 billion on a single airport renovation has ignited a firestorm. The ADC’s bold response captures the mood of a nation demanding accountability — and signals a growing frustration with elite governance that seems increasingly detached from the reality on the ground.