Festus Keyamo has revealed that millions of naira worth of critical weather equipment belonging to the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMET) were destroyed in the recent fire that gutted parts of Terminal One at Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos.
Speaking during an inspection of the charred section of the ageing terminal, the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development said NiMET’s weather-reading office, located on one of the upper floors, was completely wiped out alongside several other vital installations.
Despite the heavy losses, Keyamo assured that weather services at the airport would continue through alternative NiMET stations until the damaged systems are fully replaced.
He added that flight operations have largely stabilised, with air traffic control services restored using a temporary control tower and additional mobile support systems.
The minister disclosed that the situation became tense at the peak of the incident, as some air traffic controllers were trapped but later rescued with the aid of a crane.
Four people sustained injuries and are reported to be stable, while no life was lost.
Dismissing early claims of sabotage, Keyamo cautioned against speculation, stressing that investigations are underway to determine both the immediate and remote causes of the blaze.
He further revealed that plans had already been in motion to relocate airlines and operators to temporary facilities provided by contractors, noting that the fire would fast-track the transition.
While a full financial assessment is still ongoing, he reaffirmed the federal government’s commitment to transforming Lagos into a modern aviation hub capable of competing with leading transit centres across West Africa and the continent.
The inspection tour also featured a visit to the temporary terminal building scheduled to open soon, as authorities prepare to demolish the old terminal.
