Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, on Monday night made an emergency visit to Murtala Muhammed International Airport after a fire broke out at Terminal 1, ordering heightened vigilance as authorities worked to secure the facility.

The fire began on Monday afternoon in the old international terminal, according to the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN). The agency said the blaze originated in a server room on the first floor of the five-storey building before spreading towards sections of the roof. Firefighters contained the incident after several hours.

Keyamo said he arrived at the airport around midnight and joined FAAN’s managing director, Olubunmi Kuku, and senior officials coordinating the emergency response.

“I commend FAAN personnel and first responders for their swift activation of established emergency procedures. Their prompt and coordinated actions were instrumental in safeguarding lives and limiting the impact of the incident,” the minister said.

He added that he had directed FAAN’s Fire Department and the Lagos State Fire Service to remain on alert overnight.

“I have directed the fire department of FAAN and the Lagos State Fire Service to maintain an overnight vigil at the airport to ensure that the fire is properly put out,” he said, adding that he would inspect the terminal at dawn to assess the damage and issue further directives.

FAAN confirmed that no fatalities were recorded. Several individuals were evacuated from affected sections of the terminal and adjoining facilities, with a small number treated for minor injuries.

The incident caused temporary disruption to flight operations. Airport authorities briefly restricted movements while emergency teams battled the fire, and some inbound international flights were diverted as a precaution. Operations later resumed after safety checks.

Terminal 1 forms part of the airport’s older infrastructure and is undergoing phased renovation aimed at upgrading facilities at Nigeria’s busiest aviation gateway. Murtala Muhammed International Airport handles the bulk of the country’s international passenger traffic and serves as a major hub for regional and intercontinental routes.

Fire incidents at critical infrastructure sites have previously prompted safety audits and calls for improved preventive systems within Nigeria’s aviation sector. FAAN said investigations were under way to determine the precise cause of Monday’s blaze.

Authorities urged passengers to remain calm as assessments continue, while pledging to implement any additional safety measures arising from the incident.