Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA) is the primary international airport serving Lagos, Nigeria, and one of the busiest airports in Africa. I was amazed by the sheer number of people moving in and out of the airport. The queues were far longer than I ever imagined seeing in Africa. There’s no doubt that Nigerians are among the most traveled people on the continent. 23,291 Google reviews excluding mine is the highest number I have seen within Africa throughut almost 15 countries of travel.
Named after the former Nigerian military head of state, General Murtala Muhammed, this airport is a key gateway into Nigeria and plays a crucial role in the nation’s aviation sector.
MMIA comprises two main terminals: the International Terminal and the Domestic Terminal. Each terminal has distinct characteristics and serves different purposes, catering to the diverse needs of travelers.
Here’s my rather unusual airport experience and what you should expect if you’re planning a trip to Africa’s giant and most populous country.
The International Terminal of the Murtala Muhammed International Airport
The International Terminal of Murtala Muhammed Airport is dedicated to handling international flights, making it a bustling hub of activity for travelers arriving in or departing from Nigeria.
The interior of Murtala Muhammed International Airport’s International Terminal features a modern yet functional design, with clean lines and a focus on practicality. While not overly ornate, the terminal is adorned with subtle decorative elements that reflect Nigerian culture, including wall art and murals showcasing vibrant African patterns and themes. The use of neutral tones and bright lighting creates a welcoming atmosphere, while digital displays and signage add a touch of modernity.
Potted plants and strategically placed artwork offer splashes of greenery and color, providing a pleasant visual contrast within the bustling environment. I really liked the decorations.
Check-in and Immigration
The International Terminal is equipped with numerous check-in counters, advanced baggage handling systems, and efficient immigration services to facilitate smooth passenger processing. From the plane, the lines seemed endless, with numerous flights landing almost simultaneously. However, the contrast became striking as we approached immigration. The queue thinned out significantly, and the section for foreigners was almost empty. Perhaps it was because it was June, but I was surprised to see the large crowd gathered at the Nigerian line.
During my 2024 trip, the immigration officers were fairly stern. The officer who attended to me appeared unsmiling and seemed annoyed that I didn’t know the exact location of my Airbnb, as though I were Nigerian. He granted me a one-month stay with an awkward reminder to respect the deadline. For Cameroonians, no visa is required to visit Nigeria, but when traveling by air, a passport is essential for an entry stamp.
My check-in experience at this airport was the worst I’ve ever had in all my travels. However, since it involved the airline staff rather than the airport staff, I’ll save the details for another time. If you’re curious about the full story, keep an eye on my blog for an upcoming post—I promise it’s worth the read!
What are the facilities at Murtala Muhammed International Airport
Duty-Free Shopping and Dining: Passengers can enjoy a variety of duty-free shops offering a wide range of products, from luxury goods to local crafts. Additionally, there are numerous dining options, including restaurants, cafes, and fast-food outlets, catering to diverse culinary tastes. I didn’t buy much at the airport since I had already done most of my shopping at the market, where everything is incredibly cheap. I only picked up a few snacks from the provision store, and to my surprise, it was relatively cheaper than what you’d find at many other airports.
Lounge Areas: The terminal provides fairly comfortable lounge areas for passengers to relax while waiting for their flights. Some lounges offer premium services for first-class and business-class travelers. I was surprised to find that the seating in the departure section was fewer than I expected for such a large airport. The chairs were made of steel, similar to what you’d find at bus stations. I did spot one area with high-quality chairs, but for the most part, the departure section had large empty spaces mainly designed for movement, leaving the seating area quite sparse.
Connectivity and Communication: Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the terminal, allowing passengers to stay connected. Business travelers can make use of well-equipped business centers to handle work-related tasks. That was the most surprising thing. I was able to download pictures, work and listen to sermons/music for several hours.
What surprised me the most at MMIA?
Transport and Accessibility: The International Terminal is well-connected to the city center and other parts of Lagos through various transportation options, including taxis, buses, and car rental services.
However, taxis at the airport are very expensive. I asked a driver for the fare to a location just 15 minutes away, and he quoted me $15. I was shocked and hesitant to agree right away. While I was thinking it over, I overheard him telling his group of driver friends in Nigerian Pidgin English that I had said I didn’t want to pay, so none of them should accept my request. It was strange because that wasn’t true. He seemed to assume I was European or American, but I understood everything he said. I spent over an hour trying to order an Uber, but none of the drivers came to me, even as they approached other clients.
What did I do?
After a long wait, I reluctantly asked an airport staff member—a lady—to help me order an Uber. That’s when she told me that Uber drivers weren’t allowed inside the airport due to high airport fees and that airport drivers had warned them not to come in. The lady quoted the same price as the driver had but told me to wait. Within two minutes, she returned with one of the drivers who had agreed to take me for $9.
Although I still thought it was a high price, I had no choice since it was almost 9 pm, and I didn’t want to risk traveling around Lagos at midnight. For nearly two hours, no one came to assist me, even though it was clear I was struggling. It was the most unwelcome I’ve ever felt in any country.
My unsolicited advice is to arrange for someone to pick you up at the airport, or be prepared to pay a hefty amount for airport taxis. Another option is to rent a car and have it delivered to you at the airport. However, relying on apps like Uber doesn’t seem to be a fair option. Unfortunately, it’s unlikely anyone will offer you a lift, so if you don’t plan ahead, you might end up stranded like I did.
What will shock you the most?
At Murtala Muhammed International Airport Terminal 2 (MMIA2), the luggage trolleys are available for use, but they require a fee to be paid before you can take one. The process is relatively simple: passengers pay a small charge to unlock the trolley, which is not returned at the designated collection points once the luggage is loaded. This system helps ensure the trolleys are properly managed and encourages their return, one staff told me. While it might be an inconvenience for some, it’s a standard practice at certain airports, providing a more organized way of handling luggage.
This was my first time encountering a fee for a trolley, and I was really shocked. I didn’t have Naira notes because I hadn’t taken my luggage out of the airport yet. I offered the staff my smallest bill of 10 USD, and he asked me to give it to him. When I converted the price he quoted, it barely amounted to 2 USD, so I refused to pay.
While I was expressing my surprise, another staff member—a man—overheard me. I explained that I had two bags and really needed a trolley. He looked at me with sympathy and handed me double the amount they had requested, which I appreciated. I paid him for his kindness. However, when I got to the luggage section, there were no trolleys available. It turns out that many Nigerians return with a lot of luggage, so all the trolleys were in use. I had to wait nearly 20 minutes for one to be returned before I could get one.
What should you do?
I’m sharing this twisted tale to remind you: either park light or exchange your money into Naira before heading to Nigeria, otherwise, you might end up embarrassed like I did.
Some airports charge a fee to use trolleys, especially in Europe and Asia. For example, airports like London Heathrow and Frankfurt Airport require passengers to pay a small fee (usually a few euros or pounds) to use the luggage trolleys. This fee is often refunded when the trolley is returned to a designated area. While it’s not a widespread practice, it’s always a good idea to check ahead, especially if you’re traveling through larger international airports.
Airlines and Destinations
The International Terminal hosts a wide array of airlines, including major international carriers such as British Airways, Emirates, Lufthansa, and Delta Air Lines. It connects Lagos to numerous global destinations, including cities in Europe, the Middle East, North America, and other parts of Africa. This terminal is instrumental in facilitating international trade, tourism, and cultural exchange.
The Domestic Terminal at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport
The Domestic Terminal, also known as MMA2 (Murtala Muhammed Airport Terminal 2), primarily handles domestic flights within Nigeria. This terminal plays a critical role in connecting Lagos with other major cities and regions across the country.
Facilities and Services
- Check-in and Security: The Domestic Terminal features efficient check-in counters and robust security measures to ensure the safety and convenience of passengers.
- Retail and Dining: Similar to the International Terminal, MMA2 offers a variety of retail outlets and dining options. Passengers can shop for souvenirs, grab a quick bite, or enjoy a sit-down meal before their flights.
- Passenger Comfort: The terminal provides comfortable seating areas, charging stations, and other amenities to enhance the passenger experience. Lounges are available for passengers seeking additional comfort and services.
- Ground Transportation: MMA2 is easily accessible by road, with ample parking facilities and transportation options such as taxis and buses available for passengers traveling to and from the terminal.
Airlines and Destinations
The Domestic Terminal serves several Nigerian airlines, including Arik Air, Air Peace, Dana Air, and others. It connects Lagos to key cities such as Abuja, Port Harcourt, Kano, and Enugu, among others. This terminal is vital for domestic travel, supporting business activities, tourism, and family visits within Nigeria.
Conclusion
Murtala Muhammed International Airport, with its two distinct terminals, serves as a crucial aviation hub for both international and domestic travelers. The International Terminal facilitates global connectivity, while the Domestic Terminal ensures seamless travel within Nigeria. Together, they contribute significantly to the economic development and cultural exchange in the region. As Nigeria continues to grow and evolve, MMIA remains a key player in the country’s aviation landscape, striving to provide efficient and comfortable services to all its passengers.
