The Nigerian Meteorological Agency’s entire weather forecasting equipment was destroyed in the fire that engulfed the old terminal of Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, on Monday.
The government has confirmed that the damaged structure will be completely demolished.
Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, made the disclosure on Tuesday during an inspection of the burnt terminal in Lagos.
The blaze, which erupted around 3:30 pm, fortunately caused no fatalities. However, six people sustained serious injuries, while at least 12 Air Traffic Controllers and other individuals were temporarily trapped inside the building.
Keyamo revealed that NiMet’s operational offices and equipment, located on the upper floors of the old terminal, were completely destroyed.
He added that the full extent of the damage is yet to be assessed, as some parts of the building remain unsafe.
Despite the destruction, the minister reassured airlines and travelers that contingency measures are in place to prevent flight disruptions.
He explained that alternative weather stations within NiMet’s nationwide network would temporarily support operations in Lagos while new equipment is procured.
He sai, “Our NiMet equipment and offices where weather readings are carried out are totally gone.
“We have other stations that can provide weather readings. Temporary arrangements will be made while we implement the grand plan to replace the damaged equipment.”
Keyamo also noted that the fire would accelerate the evacuation of the building and the commencement of full reconstruction works, which had already been planned.
The terminal is scheduled for complete reconstruction over 22 months, starting from August 2025.
Confirming the rescue efforts, the minister stated that although some airport personnel, including ATCs, were briefly trapped during the fire, no lives were lost.
Four of the injured are now in stable condition.
Keyamo commended the swift response of emergency agencies, including the Lagos State Fire Service, Federal Road Safety Corps, Nigeria Police, and officials of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria, which prevented the fire from spreading to other critical airport facilities.
