The Federal Government has announced plans to demolish the fire-damaged old terminal at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos following Monday’s blaze that disrupted operations and injured several people.
The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, disclosed this on Tuesday after inspecting the extent of damage at the airport.
Keyamo said the fire was successfully contained and no fatalities were recorded, adding that those who sustained injuries and were hospitalised were responding well to treatment at a medical facility in Lagos.
“We are grateful that no life was lost in this incident. The injured persons are receiving treatment and are responding positively,” the minister said.
He explained that the terminal had already been scheduled for renovation before the incident, but the latest damage had made demolition inevitable.
“This facility was already earmarked for refurbishment, but given the level of destruction, it will now be pulled down,” he stated. “A temporary terminal is already at an advanced stage and will accommodate the few airlines that operate from this section.”
The fire, which broke out around 3 p.m. on Monday, affected Terminal 1 of the airport, forcing the diversion of flights, damaging equipment and causing operational delays for several airlines.
