In 2024, the Nigerian government allocated a staggering N8.73 billion to maintain power at the country’s airports, with a significant portion directed to resolving electricity issues at the new international terminal of Abuja’s main airport. According to the latest BudgIT GovSpend report released on Wednesday, most of the expenditure went to J. Marine Logistics Ltd, a company contracted to supply power.
The payments to J. Marine Logistics Ltd were broken down as follows:
N5.67 billion for electricity supply between March and September 2023
N2.19 billion paid in May 2024 for power from October to December 2023
An additional N874.42 million on the same day
The persistent power shortages at Abuja’s airport have caused disruptions in critical services, including runway lights, baggage handling systems, and security equipment, particularly during peak travel times and at night.
Looking ahead to 2025, the Nigerian government has allocated N105.95 billion for the aviation sector, a substantial increase from the N63.32 billion spent in 2024. This new budget includes N5 billion earmarked for improving power supply at key airports, including those in Lagos and Abuja, as well as another N5 billion for developing aerospace facilities in the capital.
Aviation Minister Festus Keyamo highlighted in May 2024 that maintaining electricity at Lagos Airport alone costs the government N1 billion each month. He shared that the ministry is exploring alternative power sources, such as solar energy, in an effort to reduce reliance on expensive diesel power. “Lagos airport alone, I am told, we spend N1 billion monthly on electricity. That is still something I am trying to crack,” Keyamo said.