There was panic at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport on Monday after a fire broke out at Terminal One of the busy Lagos Airport, forcing passengers and airport workers to flee for safety.
The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) confirmed the incident in a statement shared on its official X handle. The agency said the fire affected Terminal One but added that no life was lost in the incident.
According to FAAN, its firefighters quickly moved to the scene to contain the fire and prevent it from spreading to other parts of the terminal. The authority assured the public that the situation was under control and promised to provide further updates.
“The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) wishes to inform the public of a fire outbreak at Terminal 1 of the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos. Our firefighting team is currently responding and working to contain the situation. No loss of life has been recorded. Further updates will be provided as more information becomes available,” the statement read.
Eyewitnesses said passengers were seen rushing out of the building when smoke began to spread within parts of the terminal. Some airport workers also directed travellers to emergency exits to avoid stampede and confusion.
As of press time, the exact cause of the fire had not been made public.
The fire incident has once again drawn attention to the condition of Terminal One, which has been at the centre of public debate in recent months.
Terminal One, part of the local wing of the Lagos airport, was built more than 40 years ago. Over time, many travellers have complained about its poor state. Leaking roofs, faulty conveyor belts, crowded halls, and aging facilities have become common concerns.
Last year, the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, openly criticised the state of the terminal. Speaking on a television programme, he described the building as old and worn out.
He said the roof was leaking and the environment was not up to modern standards. According to him, parts of the structure were failing, and some equipment could no longer be repaired because spare parts were no longer available in the market.
The minister explained that the Federal Government had approved a major remodelling project for the terminal. The plan, which is estimated to cost ₦712 billion, is aimed at turning the facility into a modern airport that can compete with other major hubs in Africa.
Keyamo said the project would not just be a simple renovation but a complete rebuilding. According to him, only the main pillars and structural frame would remain, while the rest of the terminal would be redesigned and rebuilt.
“It is not a refurbishment; we are tearing it down,” he said at the time, stressing that the aim was to create a modern and efficient airport in Lagos.
The Federal Government’s approval of the ₦712 billion project sparked mixed reactions across the country.
Critics argued that the timing of such a large project was questionable. Nigeria is currently facing serious economic challenges, including high inflation, rising food prices, and increased cost of living. Many citizens have expressed concern about government spending priorities under the administration of President Bola Tinubu.
However, the aviation minister defended the plan. He said the project would be funded through the Renewed Hope Infrastructure Funding and not from the regular national budget. According to him, the upgrade is necessary if Nigeria wants to remain competitive in the aviation sector.
He also warned that without major improvements, foreign airlines might reconsider operating in Nigeria due to poor facilities.
Keyamo further explained that Lagos was originally designed to serve as a hub when the airport was commissioned in 1979. At that time, the vision was for passengers to easily connect from local flights to international flights within the same airport system.
But over the years, that vision has not been fully achieved. Currently, passengers often face difficulties when trying to move between the local and international terminals. This has limited Lagos’ ability to function as a major aviation hub in West Africa.
“As it is today, you cannot land in Lagos local airport and easily connect to an international flight,” the minister had said, pointing out the structural challenges.
Monday’s fire outbreak has raised fresh safety concerns among passengers and industry observers.
Aviation experts say that while airport fires are not common, aging infrastructure can increase risks if proper maintenance is not carried out regularly. They also noted that quick emergency response is key to preventing loss of lives and major damage.
Passengers who were at the airport during the incident described moments of fear and confusion. Some said they were worried about possible delays and cancellations of flights. Others expressed relief that there were no casualties.
FAAN’s swift response has been commended by some travellers, who said firefighters arrived quickly and acted professionally. Still, many Nigerians are calling for a thorough investigation into the cause of the fire.
The Lagos airport is the busiest in Nigeria and one of the busiest in West Africa. Thousands of passengers pass through its terminals daily for both local and international flights. Any disruption at the airport can affect travel plans across the country and beyond.
As authorities continue their assessment, attention will likely remain on the broader issue of infrastructure at the airport. The fire incident may also add urgency to ongoing discussions about the planned rebuilding of Terminal One.
For now, FAAN has assured the public that safety remains its top priority. Travellers are advised to follow official updates and cooperate with airport officials as normal operations gradually resume.
