On March 22, Nigeria time, the new terminal of Lagos Murtala Mohammed International Airport (hereinafter referred to as "Lagos New International Terminal"), which was constructed by China Civil Engineering, was officially opened. Nigerian President Muhammadu Mohamed Buhari, Minister of Aviation Hadi Sirika, Governor of Lagos State Babajid Sanuru, Governor of Yobe State Maimara Buni, Ambassador to China Baba Ahmed Jiddah; Chinese Ambassador to China Cui Jianchun, Ambassador of Nigeria, Chu Maoming, Consul General in Lagos, Jiang Yigao, Deputy General Manager of China Civil Engineering and Executive Director of CECC Nigeria Co., Ltd. attended the opening ceremony.

Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari cuts the ribbon for the project

Lagos is the most populous city in Africa, the largest urban economy in Africa, and a world-renowned metropolis. The old airport in Lagos has been in use for 44 years. It is cramped and crowded, far from meeting travel needs. The new international terminal opened this time is a multi-functional modern international airport including hotels, restaurants and leisure, which will promote the upgrading of the entire aviation industry in Nigeria and enter a new era of safety and comfort.

"World-class! First-class!" In his speech, Buhari highly praised that the new terminal built by China Civil Engineering has reached international standards. It is expected to receive 20 million passengers a year, create about 3,000 direct and indirect employment opportunities for Nigeria, and improve Passenger convenience and comfort at Lagos Airport. "I would like to express my sincerest gratitude to the Chinese government, the Chinese people, the Export-Import Bank of China, and China Civil Engineering for your commitment and support to the implementation of this infrastructure with high standards and high quality!"

Hadi Sirika introduced in his speech that the new terminal has a construction area of over 50,000 square meters, with 5 baggage collection ports, 16 entry ports, 28 exit ports, 8 security checkpoints, and 6 passenger boarding bridges. 16 airline ticket offices and more than 3,000 square meters of duty-free area. The completion and start-up of the new airport is of great significance to Nigeria's economic recovery in the post-epidemic era. The commissioning of the new terminal will strengthen the economic, trade and tourism ties between Nigeria and foreign countries. It is a new landmark built by China Civil Engineering in Africa.

Nigerian Aviation Minister Hadi Sirika delivers a speech

"The Ministry of Aviation, China Civil Engineering and others have finally unveiled their plaques today, and applaud them!" Cui Jianchun said that the new terminal has improved Nigeria's international image, and more passengers will come to Nigeria, thereby promoting economic development. Promoting infrastructure construction has always been a key strategy of the Nigerian government, and I would like to thank President Buhari for giving Chinese enterprises the opportunity to participate in Nigeria's development.

Chinese Ambassador to Nigeria Cui Jianchun delivering a speech

Jiang Yigao said that the smooth opening of the new terminal project reflects China Civil Engineering's commitment to Nigeria's economic and social development, as well as the friendly relationship between China and Nigeria. China Civil Engineering will continue to cooperate with the local government, especially in infrastructure construction, to provide the best services, and jointly promote the prosperity and development of Nigeria.

"I'm really looking forward to experiencing the trip from here!" Tolutop, a local passenger who specially visited the new terminal, said, unable to hide his excitement, he was shocked when he entered the lobby of the new terminal in Lagos, spacious, bright and cool Comfort, beautiful glass walls, modern amenities... "Everything feels so perfect, it's like a dream."

Terminal exterior

Terminal interior view

During the implementation of the new terminal building project, the China Civil Engineering Project team overcame many difficulties, such as the small site, the difficulty of demolition, the large flow of people day and night, and the intricate underground pipeline network. Measures to fully carry forward the enterprise spirit of "diligence, integrity, and tenacity" to ensure the smooth completion of the project. China Civil Engineering also insists on taking root in the local area, building a talent training platform, cultivating a large number of outstanding talents for the local area, and helping to build a community of shared future between China and Nepal.

Walk on the road, seek win-win, and plan for the long-term. In the next step, China Civil Engineering will continue to promote the high-quality development of the Belt and Road Initiative, and help Nigeria develop steadily in the long run. Editor / Zhao E