A Ugandan traveller identified as Simpo Gladys has expressed surprise at the changes she observed at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos, saying the facility had become almost unrecognisable compared to her last visit two years ago.
The woman, who documented her arrival experience in a video shared via X.com said she was struck by the heightened level of professionalism among airport personnel and the improved organisation within the terminal.
“I was here two years ago and I got lost in this airport. But coming just after two years, this place has changed. The airport is now more organised than before,” she said in the video.
What appeared to impress her most was the absence of extortion, a practice she said was rampant during her previous visit, when airport officials solicited money from passengers, including demands for payment in foreign currency before luggage could be retrieved.
“Last time when I came, even to get my luggage, they were asking me for dollars — not naira, but dollars. But this time around, no one has asked me for any money at the airport. Not even one person.”
The traveller said airport staff went out of their way to assist her without soliciting any gratification
“Everyone is just telling me, you’re welcome. They are helping me out, but no one is asking for a single shilling. I’m really very, very impressed about this change,” she added.
She also noted that the old terminal she had used during her 2024 visit had since been demolished and was being replaced with a new structure, describing the ongoing reconstruction as a sign of Nigeria’s commitment to modernising its aviation infrastructure.
“I’ve seen that the former airport I came to last time was demolished, and they’re trying to reconstruct another beautiful, nice airport for Nigeria in Lagos. Wow, this is amazing,” she said.
Reacting to the video via X.com (Formerly Twitter), the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, acknowledged the progress stating that his ministry remained focused on further improvement.
He wrote, “Still a lot of work to do, but we are making steady progress.”
The PUNCH