The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, has inspected the extent of damage caused by Monday’s devastating fire at the airport facility.
Keyamo stated that the blaze was successfully contained and that no lives were lost in the incident.
Speaking with journalists at the scene, the minister disclosed that victims who were hospitalised are responding to treatment at a medical facility in Lagos.
He added that the affected terminal, which had already been scheduled for refurbishment, would now be demolished, noting that construction of a temporary terminal for the few airlines operating from the facility is at an advanced stage.
The fire had disrupted operations at the old terminal of the Murtala Muhammed International Airport on Monday, forcing flight diversions, worsening travel delays, and creating operational uncertainty for airlines.
At least six persons were reportedly hospitalised after the fire engulfed Terminal 1 of the airport, damaging equipment and prompting a large-scale emergency response involving multiple agencies.
The blaze, which started around 3:00 p.m., was still being battled by firefighters as of 7:00 p.m., with thick smoke billowing from parts of the terminal.