Federal Government and the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) have begun construction of a N25bn ecumenical chapel and pilgrimage centre at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport.
The project, which forms part of CAN’s 50th anniversary celebrations, is intended to provide travellers, pilgrims and airport workers with a dedicated space for prayer and reflection, while aligning with efforts to improve passenger experience at the country’s busiest airport.
At the groundbreaking ceremony in Abuja on Saturday, CAN President Daniel Okoh, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF) George Akume, and the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development Festus Keyamo outlined the scope and vision of the project.
The chapel and pilgrimage centre are expected to be completed and dedicated in October 2026, in time for CAN’s golden jubilee.
“A lot of people have challenges when they travel; people need a place where they can come and regain their calm before they enter the aeroplane,” Archbishop Okoh said.
He described the facility as a space for both passengers and airport workers.
Akume stated that the initiative was a growing recognition that travel is not only physical, but also emotional and, for many people, spiritual.
“This moment is not merely ceremonial; it represents the confluence of faith and progress,” he said, describing the centre as a sacred space designed to meet a broader range of passengers’ needs.
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He added that the scale of the project underlined its ambition.
“The estimated investment of twenty-five billion naira speaks volumes,” he said.
From the aviation ministry’s perspective, the project is also intended to reflect balance in a multi-religious society.
Keyamo stated that provision had previously been made for a mosque within the airport complex.
“It is a symbol of the unity of the country and of the secular nature of the nation, where no religion is adopted as a state religion.
“When the request came from the Christian Association of Nigeria, we did not hesitate,” he said.
Keyamo announced that President Bola Tinubu approved the allocation of space for the project.
Beyond its spiritual purpose, the complex is designed as a functional facility supporting travellers’ practical needs.
Former SGF Boss Mustapha said plans include a 450-seat chapel, a 150-capacity multipurpose hall, a guest house and a tower.
Comfort Chigbue, secretary of the Airport Chapel Committee, believed the facility would allow travellers to pray before journeys and give thanks on their return.
“Everybody has a soul here. When you enter here, you will know that you are talking to God,” Chigbue said.
The project is being developed in collaboration with government agencies, including the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria, which provided the land for construction.