A minor electrical fault disrupted operations at Murtala Muhammed International Airport's temporary Terminal 3 on Wednesday when a spark in an operational office caused smoke emission around 14:05 hours. The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) confirmed the terminal was temporarily shut down as a precaution, with all flights diverted to Terminal 2. Aerodrome Rescue and Firefighting Services (ARFFS) personnel responded promptly, containing the situation without casualties. FAAN stated that electrical maintenance is underway to ensure full system functionality before Terminal 3 resumes operations. The agency described the incident as isolated and affirmed that the situation is under control.
This follows a similar disruption in February when a fire outbreak affected Terminal 1, injuring some individuals but resulting in no deaths. FAAN Managing Director Olubunmi Kuku said preliminary findings suggested the earlier fire originated from the ground floor of Terminal 1, where offices and a restaurant are situated, before spreading to the roof. The agency has since emphasized ongoing safety assessments across airport facilities.
Two significant electrical incidents at MMIA within one month raise serious concerns about the infrastructure's reliability under Olubunmi Kuku's management. While no lives were lost and operations resumed, repeated disruptions undermine confidence in FAAN's oversight of critical transport hubs. For Nigerian travelers, this means continued exposure to avoidable delays and safety risks at the country's busiest airport. A pattern is forming — and it points directly to systemic maintenance shortcomings.
