Following the technical closure of the Murtala Muhammed International Airport runway in Lagos state, thieves have taken the advantage to pilfer the facility lighting system for one of the runways, a month after installation. Meanwhile, there are speculations that the crime was allegedly committed with the help of some airport workers. The ground lightening was installed in November, 2022 at the wing. Domestic carriers were forced to divert to the international section and taxis with about 4km (2.5 miles) away from the right terminal, which causes flight disruptions.
Mr Funtua told the BBC that the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria will "block all loopholes to prevent [a] future occurrence".
According to source, “The criminals took advantage that the runway had been closed for months for maintenance to perpetrate their act, in collaboration with airport staff”.