February 20, (THEWILL) —Nigeria has taken a major step toward meeting global aviation standards as the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), in partnership with MTN Nigeria, activated free, high-speed Wi-Fi services for passengers at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), Lagos, and the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja.
The initiative, unveiled on Thursday, is part of the Federal Government’s broader push to modernise aviation infrastructure and enhance passenger experience across Nigeria’s airports. The pilot phase was launched at MMIA Terminal 2 in Lagos and the Abuja international terminal, with plans for a nationwide rollout.
Speaking at the launch in Lagos, the Managing Director of FAAN, Mrs. Olubunmi Kuku, represented by FAAN’s Director of Airport Operations, Capt. Abdullahi Mahmood, described the project as a landmark achievement for Nigeria’s aviation ecosystem.
According to her, the partnership with MTN Nigeria sets a new benchmark for digital infrastructure at the nation’s airports and underscores the importance of effective public-private collaboration.
“In 21st century Nigeria, no Nigerian airport should be an offline island. This collaboration with MTN Nigeria demonstrates how effective Public-Private Partnership alignment can modernise infrastructure and strengthen the country’s digital economy,” Kuku said.
She disclosed that the free Wi-Fi service would be extended to the MMIA Temporary Terminal within weeks and subsequently rolled out to Enugu, Port Harcourt and Kano international airports over the next three months.
Kuku added that beyond passenger convenience, the initiative reflects FAAN’s commitment to closing service gaps, improving operational efficiency and delivering world-class airport services nationwide.
“We have turned on the signal today, but the signal we are truly sending is this: Nigerian aviation is writing a new chapter — one of innovation, partnership and unwavering commitment to excellence,” she stated.
Kuku further noted that the project aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s digital economy agenda and the reform vision of the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo.
Also speaking at the event, the Chief Executive Officer of MTN Nigeria, Karl Toriola, represented by the Chief Enterprise Business Officer, Lynda Saint-Nwafor, assured passengers that the service would be reliable, secure and efficient.
“We are proud to announce the launch of free Wi-Fi service across major airports in Nigeria in partnership with FAAN. This initiative reflects a shared commitment to improving passenger experience and enhancing digital accessibility,” she said.
Saint-Nwafor emphasised that airports are critical gateways for business travellers, tourists and service providers who require seamless connectivity to operate effectively.
The introduction of free airport Wi-Fi is expected to significantly enhance passenger experience by providing real-time flight updates, seamless communication, digital inclusion and access to online services without the use of personal mobile data. It also supports smart airport operations, including monitoring passenger flow, reducing wait times and delivering real-time information services.
It will be recalled that in August 2025, the Federal Government attributed the absence of Wi-Fi at Nigerian international airports to inter-agency rivalry between the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA) and FAAN. Minister Festus Keyamo had explained that disagreements over responsibility for providing airport Wi-Fi delayed implementation until a decision was reached.
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