The airport was initially built during World War II and is named after Murtala Muhammed (1938–1976), the fourth military ruler of Nigeria.

De Havilland Doves were initially operated on WAACs Nigerian internal routes then West African services.

[6] Originally known as Lagos Airport, it was renamed after the military head of state Murtala Muhammed in 1976 following his assassination in a failed coup attempt.

A new international terminal modeled after Amsterdam Airport Schiphol was constructed through the decade at a cost of ₦240 million, officially opening on 15 March 1979, as part of a broader master plan to ensure sufficient capacity through the year 2000.

Airport police instituted a "shoot on sight" policy for anyone found in the secure areas around runways and taxiways, stopping further airplane robberies.

The company added that in an attempt to increase passenger counts, they had tried to convince Nigeria Airways to accept a smaller seat allotment, but the latter refused.

These agreements have seen the likes of Emirates, Ocean Air, Delta and China Southern Airlines express interest and receive landing rights to Nigeria's largest international airport.

On 6 September 2012, then Minister of Aviation, Stella Oduah, announced that the Federal Government of Nigeria approved a N106 billion loan from the Exim Bank of China to construct 5 new international terminals, including a passenger terminal in Murtala Muhammed International Airport.

[52] Aero Contractors has its head office in the Private Terminal of the Domestic Wing at Murtala Muhammed International Airport.

[55] Prior to its disestablishment Afrijet Airlines had its head office in the NAHCO Building on the grounds of the airport.