Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has announced that aviation regulators will conduct a critical site inspection of the proposed Lekki International Airport this week, paving the way for construction to begin on one of Nigeria’s most ambitious infrastructure projects. The move signals a major milestone in the state’s plan to transform the Lekki corridor into a global economic hub.
During a visit to Alaro City on Saturday, March 8, 2025, Governor Sanwo-Olu emphasized his administration’s commitment to delivering the airport alongside other landmark projects aimed at easing congestion and attracting foreign investment. “This inspection by aviation authorities will fast-track the approvals needed to commence construction,” he stated, noting that the airport will serve as a catalyst for industrial growth in the Lekki Free Trade Zone and complement the nearby Lekki Deep Sea Port.
The Lekki International Airport, first proposed in 2022, is designed to alleviate pressure on the overburdened Murtala Muhammed International Airport while improving connectivity for businesses and residents in Lagos’ rapidly expanding eastern axis. In February 2025, the Lagos State Government formalized its partnership with Turkish construction giant Summa Group through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), marking a decisive step toward realizing the project.
Governor Sanwo-Olu highlighted the airport’s role in Lagos’ long-term vision, stating it would “future-proof the state’s economy” by integrating air, sea, and rail networks. The Lekki corridor, already home to the $1.5 billion Dangote Refinery and the Lekki Deep Sea Port, is poised to become Nigeria’s primary industrial belt, with the airport expected to streamline cargo logistics and passenger travel for multinational firms.
Alongside the airport, Sanwo-Olu revealed that preparatory work for the 68-kilometer Green Line Rail project is nearing completion, with funding arrangements being finalized. The rail line, which will link Marina to Lekki, aims to address the transportation challenges posed by the area’s population boom and industrial growth.
The Lagos Metropolitan Area Transport Authority (LAMATA) has already begun stakeholder engagements for the first phase of the Lagos Rail Mass Transit (LRMT) Green Line, which will stretch from Marina to Sangotedo. A tripartite agreement between the Lagos State Government, the Federal Ministry of Finance Incorporated (MOFI), and China Harbour Engineering Company (CHEC) secured in September 2024 ensures the project’s design, financing, and operation.
Notably, the 2025 federal budget allocates ₦146.14 billion as counterpart funding for the Green Line, with projections suggesting the figure could rise following recent revisions to the national budget.
Experts argue that the Lekki International Airport and Green Line Rail projects are critical to sustaining Lagos’ status as Africa’s largest economy. With the state’s population expected to exceed 30 million by 2030, the infrastructure push aims to decongest mainland Lagos while unlocking new opportunities in the Lekki-Epe region.
However, challenges remain, including land acquisition disputes and the need for sustained funding. Governor Sanwo-Olu assured stakeholders that his administration is “working tirelessly to resolve bottlenecks,” citing recent collaborations with federal agencies and international partners as evidence of progress.
