Lagos Govt: Lekki-Epe Airport Set for Completion in Two Years

The Lagos State government has announced that the much-anticipated Lekki-Epe International Airport is set for completion by 2027. This development comes as aviation stakeholders urge the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) to enhance service quality amid growing competition in the sector.

According to Mr. Gboyega Akosile, Special Adviser on Media and Publicity to the Lagos State Governor, the airport will complement Murtala Muhammed Airport (MMA) and ease air traffic congestion in Lagos. However, financial details of the project remain undisclosed.

Aviation experts highlight that the airport’s strategic location in the Lekki-Epe axis will boost business operations, industrial growth, and economic activities in the region. Some analysts, including Mr. Olumide Ohunayo, Director of Research at Zenith Travel Ltd, believe the airport will primarily cater to low-cost carriers and domestic flights, while international and scheduled flights will continue to operate from MMA.

Concerns have been raised about the impact of other emerging airports, such as the Gateway Airport in Remo-Ikenne, on the viability of the Lekki-Epe project. However, stakeholders argue that Lagos’ growing population and economic expansion make an additional airport essential for the state’s development.

The Lagos State government recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Summa Group, a Russian firm, to oversee the project’s construction. Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu described the initiative as a game-changer for connectivity, economic growth, and investment in Lagos. He further stated that the airport will be built on 3,500 hectares of land along the Lekki-Epe Expressway, strategically positioned to enhance access and support the region’s growing infrastructure.

Originally proposed in 2009 under former Governor Babatunde Fashola, the Lekki-Epe International Airport project faced delays due to land disputes and funding challenges. The initiative was revived in 2022, receiving federal approval for development.

Experts suggest that to ensure long-term success, the Lagos State government should engage a reputable airport management firm while maintaining cost efficiency and service excellence to compete in the global aviation industry.