UBA renovates new Lagos airport departure section
The United Bank for Africa (UBA) Plc has completed the renovation of the departure section at Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos.
The refurbished section was officially commissioned on Friday, 20th December 2024.
The ceremony was attended by distinguished stakeholders, including the Honourable Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, SAN; the Managing Director of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), Mrs. Olubunmi Kuku; other directors, and heads of agencies operating at the airport.
This commendable project, marking a transformative milestone in Nigeria’s aviation sector, underscores UBA’s unwavering commitment to national development and highlights the significant value of strategic public-private partnerships (PPPs).
Speaking at the event, UBA’s Group Managing Director/CEO, Oliver Alawuba, praised the collaboration that brought the project to fruition and stressed the importance of public and private institutions working together to build and revitalise the nation’s assets.
“This renovation is a testament to UBA’s belief in the transformative power of investing in national assets. By modernising our airports, we not only enhance infrastructure but also position Nigeria as a global hub for tourism, trade, and investment,” he stated.
Alawuba further highlighted the broader economic impact of such initiatives, calling for increased private-sector participation in national development.
“Public-private partnerships like this demonstrate what can be achieved when we unite for a shared vision of progress. Investing in infrastructure catalyses economic growth, improves travel experiences, and creates opportunities across various sectors of the economy,” he added.
He reflected on the power of unity and collaboration, quoting Helen Keller: “Alone we can do so little; together we can do so much.”
The commissioning of the renovated departure section serves as a reminder of what strategic partnerships can achieve in driving national development and elevating Nigeria’s global standing.
While commissioning the project, Keyamo commended UBA for executing the initiative, describing it as a landmark achievement for Nigeria’s aviation sector.
“This renovated departure section exemplifies the bank’s commitment to elevating aviation infrastructure, improving passenger experiences, and fostering international partnerships. It is a proud moment for the ministry and all stakeholders involved, and I thank the management of UBA for pioneering this initiative,” he remarked.
The minister also highlighted other key achievements of his ministry, including compliance with the Cape Town Convention, the launch of a consumer protection portal, and progress on major infrastructure projects such as the second runway at Abuja Airport and the integration of solar energy into airport operations.
The Managing Director/CEO of FAAN, Mrs. Olubunmi Kuku, commended UBA and other stakeholders for their contributions, stating, “This project reflects FAAN’s dedication to delivering world-class aviation infrastructure. The enhanced departure section not only elevates passenger experiences but also strengthens Nigeria’s competitive position in global aviation.”
She called for more private-sector involvement, emphasising that “partnerships like these are essential to transforming the aviation sector into a beacon of excellence.”
The newly renovated departure section features state-of-the-art facilities designed to enhance efficiency and passenger comfort. This upgrade reinforces the Murtala Muhammed International Airport’s status as a critical gateway to Nigeria and a major hub for international travel in Africa.
United Bank for Africa (UBA) is Africa’s Global Bank. Operating across 20 African countries, as well as in the United Kingdom, the United States, France, and the United Arab Emirates, UBA provides retail, commercial, and institutional banking services, leading financial inclusion and implementing cutting-edge technology. UBA is one of the largest employers in the financial sector in Africa, with 25,000 employees across the group and serving over 45 million customers globally.
