HURIWA demands public audit of FG’s N712bn Lagos Airport terminal

…describes project as wasteful

The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) has called for the immediate suspension and public audit of the ₦712 billion approved by the Federal Executive Council (FEC) for the renovation of Terminal One at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), Lagos.

Describing the project as fiscally irresponsible and shrouded in secrecy, HURIWA raised alarm over what it called “a dangerous pattern of unaccountable mega-spending” by the federal government.

The Rights Group questioned the rationale behind such an enormous sum being earmarked for a partial overhaul of an existing facility, particularly at a time when the nation is grappling with severe economic hardship, high inflation, ballooning debt, and deepening poverty.

In a press statement issued on Sunday by its National Coordinator, Emmanuel Onwubiko, HURIWA demanded a halt to the project pending a comprehensive public breakdown of the cost, scope of work, and bidding process.

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HURIWA criticised the announcement made by Festus Keyamo, Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, that Terminal One would be stripped down to its core and rebuilt with modern mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems at a cost of over $500 million.

The project, awarded to China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCECC), is expected to last 22 months and will be financed through the Renewed Hope Infrastructure Development Fund.

“How does a partial rehabilitation of a single terminal justify a ₦712 billion price tag?” Especially when countries around the world are constructing entirely new, world-class airports from the ground up for comparable or even lower amounts?”,
HURIWA asked.

The Association cited the Techo International Airport in Cambodia, which is being built from scratch across 2,600 hectares, includes three runways and a cargo terminal, and will accommodate over 50 million passengers annually.

“The total cost of that project is $1.5 billion, barely twice the Nigerian terminal refurbishment budget”, he added.

HURIWA recalled that under President Muhammadu Buhari’s Administration, the Federal Government had already secured a ₦106 billion loan to renovate the same MMIA terminal.

“Now, in less than a decade, the Government wants Nigerians to accept another ₦712 billion for yet another so-called complete overhaul.

“This troubling trend of recycling huge budgets on the same infrastructure without proper audits or tangible results reveals systemic weaknesses in Nigeria’s project evaluation and procurement processes”, Onwubiko said.

Equally disturbing, according to HURIWA, is the lack of transparency in the awarding of the contract.

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The Group decried what it termed the absence of a competitive, publicly advertised bidding process, saying it violates the Public Procurement Act and contradicts the Tinubu administration’s professed commitment to transparency and fiscal discipline.

“It is unacceptable that such a massive contract could be approved behind closed doors without any public input, feasibility studies, or open tender process.

“Nigerians deserve to know how this figure was arrived at, what exactly the scope of work entails, and who vetted the cost estimates”, HURIWA said.

HURIWA further alleged that the project could be part of a scheme to generate funds for political campaigns ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The Group suggested that similar high-value approvals in recent months may point to an orchestrated strategy to amass political war chests disguised as capital expenditure.

“Are we witnessing the early stages of 2027 campaign financing being masked as infrastructure renewal?” the statement queried.

The Association also raised concerns about the additional ₦49.9 billion approved for perimeter fencing at the same Lagos airport.

While acknowledging the importance of security, HURIWA said the lack of technical documentation and cost breakdown for this contract casts further doubt on the integrity of the entire process.

“This flood of billion-naira projects, without public scrutiny or financial transparency, suggests a coordinated attempt to drain public resources under the guise of infrastructure upgrades,” the Group warned.

To prevent what it called another “white elephant project,” HURIWA urged the National Assembly to summon the Minister of Aviation and all relevant stakeholders for a public hearing.

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It insisted that the project be put on hold until full contract documents, bills of quantities, and procurement records are made available to the public.

The Group also called on civil society organisations, aviation experts, and the international community to press for accountability and ensure that Nigeria’s future is not mortgaged by questionable spending.

While affirming its support for modern, secure aviation infrastructure, HURIWA stressed that such projects must reflect prudent spending, transparency, and clear value for money.