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A Nigerian Civil Society Organization Coalition has condemned the Federal Government’s approval for the N712 billion for reconstruction, rehabilitation, and modernization of terminal one at Murtala Mohammed International Airport (MMIA), Lagos, describing expenses as “excessive,” “wrong paying off,” and a national dispute.
In a joint statement issued on Thursday in Abuja, the coalition – complicated the Center for Research and Socio -Economic Development (Serdec), the Legislative Advocacy Center for Civil Society (CISLAC), the Center for Environmental Sustainability and Development Awareness (Cesda), and several others – Feor.
While recognizing the need for modern infrastructure, the group said, “The money spent on this project is not the personal finances of government officials, but public funds, which must be used wisely, transparently, and in line with the most urgent priority of the Nigerian people.”
The statement noted that the project funding – was included from the updated infrastructure development fund – at the time of the “daily economic struggle of most ordinary Nigerians” and shortly after the large increase in the five airports by the previous government.
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“For us, the key question is not whether Nigeria needs a modern airport or not,” said the coalition. “The basic question is: In the face of millions of poor, starving, and unsafe citizens, does this project survive in a priority test?”
The groups argue that the funds were initially mandated to strengthen the agricultural value chain to increase food security, question how the allocation of N712 billion “fundamentally increase our country’s agricultural output” when the World Bank projects an increase of 3.6 points of percentage in poverty in 2027.
They compare airport costs with the entire national budget for the main sectors, noting that “health care for more than 200 million Nigerians get the number of N1.91 trillion, while agriculture receives N826.5 billion. That the cost is only one airport reconstruction approaching the annual budget for the main sector … Talking about national placement errors.
The coalition also criticized the government for passing through parliamentary supervision, saying, “It is very strange that the executive arm continues with this agreement without any known consideration in the National Assembly.”
They demanded that the expenditure be reviewed and allocated back to grassroots projects on rural roads, health care, education, and poverty reduction, and urged the administration of the Tinubu Ball President to declare “in clear and non -ambiguous terms” savings from the removal of fuel subsidies.
“The government that prioritizes fiscal discipline and wise management of public funds will channel large amounts into the main impact field … not the reconstruction of elitist airports,” the statement concluded.
The coalition asked residents to “join us in rejecting wasteful expenses and demanding accountability from our leaders,” insisting that “together, we can demand transparency, responsible and responsive governance.”
