Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development Festus Keyamo has confirmed that the recent fire outbreak at the Old Terminal of Murtala Muhammed International Airport destroyed critical equipment belonging to the Nigerian Meteorological Agency.
The inferno, which occurred around noon, left six persons injured and led to the diversion of three international flights. According to the minister, four of the injured victims are in le condition and responding to treatment.
Keyamo toured the damaged facility alongside senior aviation officials and journalists to assess the extent of destruction. Several airline check in counters were completely burnt, parts of the ceiling severely damaged, and sections of the terminal charred with smoke stains and debris visible across the floor.
He explained that the Old Terminal was already scheduled for demolition and reconstruction. The fire, he noted, has only accelerated plans to relocate operations to a temporary facility provided by China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation.
The minister disclosed that NiMet office and weather reading equipment located on the upper floors were completely destroyed. Some air traffic controllers trapped during the incident were rescued using cranes.
Despite the setback, Keyamo assured Nigerians that flight operations would not be disrupted. Temporary arrangements have been made, including the use of a temporary control tower and the deployment of mobile towers to maintain normal aviation activities.
He added that while the full extent of losses is yet to be determined, alternative weather monitoring stations will be utilized as part of interim measures pending full reconstruction of the terminal.
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