A fire broke out at the Old Terminal of Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos, destroying vital weather equipment and causing significant damage. Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, inspected the facility, assessing the extent of the damage.
The fire, which occurred on Monday, injured six people and led to the diversion of three international flights, including British Airways, Lufthansa, and Emirates. Keyamo stated that the incident would expedite plans to reconstruct the terminal, which was already slated for rehabilitation.
The damaged equipment includes weather-reading gear belonging to the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet), located on the upper floors of the terminal. Keyamo assured that temporary arrangements would be made to ensure uninterrupted weather services.
Keyamo praised the swift response of emergency teams, stating that their actions prevented further damage and ensured no fatalities. He directed the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) to conduct a joint inspection and evaluation of Terminal 1 to guide recovery efforts.
The fire has raised concerns about airport safety and security. Keyamo cautioned against speculation, emphasizing that investigations are ongoing to determine the cause of the fire.
Operations at the airport have resumed, with a temporary control tower activated to restore flight services. Passengers are advised to expect some delays, but Keyamo assured that efforts are underway to minimize disruptions.
The incident highlights the need for improved safety measures and infrastructure upgrades at Nigerian airports. Keyamo’s visit aims to ensure that the necessary steps are taken to prevent similar incidents in the future.
