MMIA, Lagos - Airport or Museum?

I often wonder if this edifice called the Muritala Muhammed International Airport should be called an Airport or a Museum. With the number of relics at all levels of the Airport, the original designers would turn over in their graves if they see that no significant development has taken place.

In terms of size, it has not been expanded since it was built in the mid-70's. However, other airports around the world that were built about the same time are about 7-10times its size by now (Do i hear forward thinking people?).

At the ground floor, what is most evident it the UNDERGROUND car park. This has not been used for God knows how long!! There are conflicting reports as to why that is, one of which is the NADECO bomb threat of the mid nineties in protest to the annulment of the elections in 1993 (But wait a moment, its 2011!!). Is the threat still high? Could they not device better security? Could it not be limited to only Airport staff (or just security)? What we have there now is rodents and if i do say snakes and monkeys (as have been allegedly seen).

At the ground floor also is where both "Arrival Halls" are located - 'Arrival D' and 'Arrival E'. The cooling system is same as was in the 70's with the introduction of a few 'Standing Units' (this isn't a fast food joint). However, what is required is a modern day central cooling system!! Also of note at this floor in both Arrival Halls is the conveyor belts, there are two in both halls servicing as much as 500 - 1000 people at certain times. This alone makes baggage claim so slow and tiring. It is also worthy to note that the screening process also leaves a lot to be desired before the bags finally come out to the Arrival Halls.

When going up from the Ground floor / Arrival hall to departure, you are advised to use the stairs. The lifts cannot be trusted. In the event that it stops, emergency is not our strongest point (in Nigeria that is)!! The company that maintains the lifts seem to always be working on it, with grease regularly seen on doors, and the floors of the lift. The sound of the fan inside the lift is wuite scary, like from a horror movie.

This airport needs total over hauling, as the scenarios that have been painted spill even to the boarding area where the Avio - Bridges are old and worn out, lifts on that side too are relics.

In subsequent write ups, more evidence as regards what infrastructure needs changing and how that affects the operation of the airport would be focused on.


Its @lereboy reporting for myairportstories>>>