Can Nigeria sustain investment in airport infrastructure?

Nigeria's aviation sector has seen significant improvements in recent times, particularly with the revamp of the arrival wing at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport a year ago. Emeka Obiwulu, CEO of the Offshore Lab, sheds light on the progress made and the future plans for modernizing Nigeria's airport infrastructure. The country's airports have been continuously improving, with a focus on functionality, aesthetics, and technology. Emeka highlighted the transformation of the arrival wing E, which was revamped to create a better user experience and showcase Nigeria's culture and history. The project sponsors, NMPC Ltd. and Shell Nigeria Exploration Production Company, collaborated to remodel the space, increasing the clearance points from 9 to 36, allowing for a smoother and safer process for travelers. The project also incorporated cultural elements, such as history tablets and state-labeled counters, to represent Nigeria's identity and heritage. Emeka emphasized the importance of public-private partnerships in driving infrastructure improvements, citing the need for political will and cross-sector collaboration to scale out successful models. He expressed optimism about the concession of five airports, including Murtala Muhammed, and the potential for better maintenance practices in the future. Emeka stressed the significance of long-term sustainability in project delivery, aiming to address Nigeria's infrastructure gap through innovative solutions and local capacity development. The Offshore Lab's projects span across various sectors, including ICT centers, empowerment centers, and social innovation initiatives, focusing on underserved communities and skill development. Emeka's commitment to end-to-end project delivery and social impact underscores the importance of driving positive change in Nigeria's infrastructure landscape.