Assessment of Multimodal Transport Connectivity at Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos

Efficient ground transport connectivity to and from airports is essential for maximising the economic and accessibility benefits of air transport. This study assesses the state of multimodal transport connectivity at Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA) in Lagos, the busiest aviation gateway in Nigeria. A descriptive survey design was employed, with data collected from 200 air travellers, 40 airport officials, and 50 ground transport operators through structured questionnaires and site assessments. The study evaluates the availability and quality of taxi services, ride-hailing access, bus connections, car park facilities, and the potential of a proposed rail link to the airport. Findings reveal that private vehicles and ride-hailing services dominate airport ground access, with formal bus services to the city centre being unreliable and infrequent. Taxi services suffer from pricing opacity and harassment of passengers by unlicensed operators. Car park facilities are chronically congested, particularly during morning departure peaks. The airport lacks any rail connectivity, unlike comparable airports in Africa such as the O.R. Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg. Public transport alternatives serving lower-income airport workers are particularly inadequate. Recommendations include the acceleration of the planned Blue Line rail extension to the airport, the implementation of a regulated ground transport management plan, and the introduction of pre-booked taxi concession services. These findings are relevant for the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria and Lagos State transport planners. Keywords: airport connectivity, multimodal transport, MMIA, Lagos, ground transport.