The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has come out strongly against President Bola Tinubu’s administration over its recent approval of more than ₦712 billion for the renovation of the Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos, describing the project as an “outrageous misuse of public funds” and “a textbook case of misplaced priority.”
In a scathing statement issued on Sunday by its National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, the party condemned the move as both fiscally reckless and disconnected from the pressing needs of ordinary Nigerians. The Federal Executive Council (FEC) approved the project during its July 31 meeting under the Renewed Hope Infrastructure Development Fund.
ADC Decries ‘Frivolous’ Expenditure Amid National Hardship
The ADC questioned the timing and justification for such a massive allocation, stating that the airport in question had already undergone recent upgrades and remained functional. “It is hard to understand how expending ₦712 billion on renovating an airport that already received significant upgrades in recent years makes fiscal sense,” the party stated.
The party highlighted a range of critical issues plaguing Nigeria—underfunded public universities, collapsing healthcare systems, and growing poverty—as more urgent areas needing intervention. “What the aviation sector needs is not another gold-plated terminal, but proper maintenance, enhanced efficiency, and the expansion of regional airports to boost real connectivity across Nigeria,” the statement added.
According to the ADC, the renovation amounts to nearly $500 million—equivalent to the cost of four new international terminals built in Abuja, Lagos, Kano, and Port Harcourt in 2014 using a Chinese loan that is yet to be repaid.
Questions Over National Assembly Approval and Due Process
One of the party’s most alarming concerns centered on transparency and constitutional compliance. The ADC alleged that the project was neither debated nor approved by the National Assembly and lacks a breakdown of costs or procurement details. “Is this now how the government spends close to a trillion naira—without appropriation, without scrutiny, and without the consent of the Nigerian people through their elected representatives?” the party queried.
Calling the development deeply troubling, the ADC demanded clarity on the legal basis for the expenditure. “We demand to know: under what constitutional provision is this money being spent?” Abdullahi asked, warning that unapproved expenditures erode democratic accountability and deepen public distrust.
The party argued that the FEC’s decision violates both transparency and accountability standards enshrined in Nigeria’s public finance laws.
Functional Airport or Phantom Project? ADC Seeks Clarification
Referencing media reports and aviation sector data, the ADC emphasized that the Murtala Muhammed International Airport had already received a major facelift. “This same airport had a new international terminal commissioned by former President Muhammadu Buhari in March 2022. It spans 56,000 square metres, boasts 66 check-in counters, jet bridges, and a 22-room hotel for stopovers,” the party noted.
In further contradiction of the proposed upgrade, the ADC cited available data showing the airport processed only 6.5 million passengers in 2024—less than half its capacity of 14 million. “We wonder if it is this same airport now scheduled for renovation or another one. Either the previous APC government lied to Nigerians, or this one is about to waste a staggering sum on a redundant project,” the party said.
The ADC urged the government to redirect focus to underutilized regional airports and modernizing aviation infrastructure in neglected zones rather than overspending on a single facility in Lagos.
Alternative Uses for ₦712bn: Teaching Hospitals, Roads, Education
The ADC provided an outline of more impactful ways the ₦712 billion could be spent, including the construction of over seven well-equipped teaching hospitals, five years of free basic education across three geopolitical zones, electrification of thousands of rural communities, or rehabilitating federal highways.
“This government must prioritize the people. The wasteful airport project is a slap in the face to millions of Nigerians grappling with hunger, insecurity, joblessness, and decaying infrastructure,” Abdullahi said. “The funds must be redirected toward initiatives with tangible benefits to the masses.”
The party called on civil society groups, the media, and concerned citizens to oppose the project and demand redirection of public funds to more pressing national needs.
ADC Calls for Immediate Suspension and Full Audit
Concluding its statement, the ADC called for the immediate suspension of the airport renovation project, the launch of an independent audit into the proposed budget, and a comprehensive review of the approval process.
“This is not just about one airport; it’s about how public funds are spent in a democracy. We cannot allow arbitrary executive decisions to override constitutional processes and public welfare,” the statement emphasized.
The party warned that failure to address such financial recklessness would only widen the trust gap between the government and citizens. “Nigerians are watching, and history will not be kind to leaders who squander scarce resources while the people suffer,” the ADC declared.
As the debate around the project intensifies, many Nigerians await clarity from the Tinubu administration on the rationale, scope, and procurement process of the controversial ₦712 billion airport upgrade.
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