The Federal Government and the Christian Association of Nigeria on Saturday officially launched the construction of a N25 billion ecumenical chapel and pilgrimage centre at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, marking a significant addition to faith-based facilities within Nigeria’s aviation infrastructure.
The project, which forms part of CAN’s 50th anniversary celebrations, is designed to serve air travellers, pilgrims, and airport staff with a dedicated environment for prayer, reflection, and spiritual comfort.
It also aligns with government efforts to enhance passenger experience at one of the country’s busiest aviation hubs.
At the groundbreaking ceremony in Abuja, key figures including CAN President Archbishop Daniel Okoh, Secretary to the Government of the Federation George Akume, and Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development Festus Keyamo, alongside other government officials and religious leaders, highlighted the vision behind the development.
The facility is scheduled for completion and dedication in October 2026, coinciding with CAN’s golden jubilee celebrations.
“A lot of people have challenges when they travel; people need a place where they can come and regain their calm before they enter the aeroplane,” Archbishop Okoh said.
He added that the centre would serve both passengers and airport workers as a space for prayer and spiritual renewal.
Federal officials described the initiative as part of a broader understanding that travel involves not only physical movement but also emotional and spiritual needs.
“This moment is not merely ceremonial; it represents the confluence of faith and progress,” the SGF, Akume, said.
Akume, who performed the groundbreaking, stressed that the project reflects the government’s commitment to making airports more responsive to diverse passenger needs.
“The estimated investment of Twenty-Five Billion Naira speaks volumes about the scale of ambition,” he added.
From the aviation ministry’s perspective, the project also underscores efforts to maintain religious balance in a plural society. Festus Keyamo noted that provisions had already been made for a mosque within the airport.
“It is a symbol of the unity of the country… and of the secular nature of the country, where no religion is adopted as a state religion. When the request came from the Christian Association of Nigeria, we did not hesitate.”
He further explained that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu approved the allocation of land for the project.
Former SGF Boss Mustapha also emphasized the broader significance of the development.
“It is not to offend anyone, but to explain what this entire sacred complex will represent,” he said, outlining the facility’s components, which include a 450-seat chapel, a 150-capacity multipurpose hall, a guest house, and a tower.
According to CAN officials, the centre is intended to give travellers a quiet space to pause, whether before departure or after arrival.
“Everybody has a soul here. When you enter here, you will know that you are talking to God,” said Comfort Chigbue, Secretary of the Airport Chapel Committee.
She added that the facility would allow passengers to pray before flights and offer thanksgiving upon return.
The project is being executed in partnership with relevant government agencies, including the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria, which provided the land for its development.
Once completed, the ecumenical chapel and pilgrimage centre is expected to stand as a calm spiritual space within the busy environment of the airport, offering travellers a moment of reflection amid constant movement.
