Nigerian airports get digital boost as FAAN, MTN roll out free Wifi
The Nigerian airports digital infrastructure on Thursday received additional boost as the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAA) in collaboration with MTN Nigeria simultaneously rolled out the launch of free WiFi services at the international wing of the Murtala Muhammed Airport in Lagos and the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja.
The partnership, both bodies explained will be follow up with similar development taking place at the airports in Kano, Port Harcourt and Enugu within the next few months.
The service they say will greatly enhance travelling passengers experience and position Nigeria’s aviation sector as a leader in digital innovation.
Speaking, FAAN’s Managing Director, Mrs. Olubunmi Kuku affirmed that the development form her administration’s strategic plans and drive to ensure the country’s airports are in sic with global best practices and ensure airport users are connected digitally.
Kuku said “We are not simply launching a WiFi service. We are setting a new benchmark for Nigeria’s digital infrastructure and airport experience. Today, in partnership with MTN Nigeria, we flip the switch on free, reliable, high-speed internet connectivity for airport users. As of now, this service is live and operational at Terminal 2 of Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, and at Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja.”
The elated FAAN MD enthused thus: “Let me paint a picture of what this truly means for the people we serve. The modern airport is not merely a place of transit – it is a city of human activity. Within these walls, a businessman closes a life-changing deal via video call. A student submits their university application before boarding, their dreams taking flight alongside their journey.”
“A first-time visitor to Nigeria receives a reassuring video call from his host while going through immigration. A family shares precious travel moments in real time with loved ones back home. A diplomat researches their destination, preparing to represent our great nation. These are not just transactions – these are human moments that matter.”
According to her, “For too long, our passengers have experienced the frustration of being disconnected when connection mattered most. Today, we change that story. We transform waiting time into working time. We replace frustration with functionality. We tell every passenger who walks through our doors: your time, your dreams, your connections – they all matter to us. This is the value of free WiFi.”
“But more than that, this is the value we place on every Nigerian who travels through our airports. Our message today is crystal clear: Nigerian aviation is open for business, ready for the future, and unwilling to settle for less than the best. This partnership with MTN represents something far larger than convenience – it is a testament to what we can achieve when the public and private sectors align their capabilities with a shared national purpose.”
She added that “This partnership with MTN is a major step forward in our efforts to modernize infrastructure and improve the digital economy. In today’s connected world, access to reliable internet is no longer a luxury but a necessity. We are pleased to offer this value- added service to our passengers, making their travel experience easier and more productive.”
Mrs. Kuku, who was represented by the Director of Airport Operations, Captain Mahmood Abdullahi said “We are not simply launching a WiFi service. We are setting a new benchmark for Nigeria’s digital infrastructure and airport experience.”
According the FAAN Boss, “This partnership with MTN represents something far larger than convenience – it is a testament to what we can achieve when the public and private sectors align their capabilities with a shared national purpose,” she emphasized.
“The free WiFi service is part of FAAN’s efforts to modernize its infrastructure and improve the digital economy. The authority plans to extend the service to other airports, including Enugu, Port Harcourt, and Kano, in the coming weeks.”
“This WiFi is our promise that FAAN is listening, and we hope you will hold us accountable as we continue this transformation,”
She further stressed that: “We are demonstrating that modernisation does not require waiting solely for state funding – it requires partnership, innovation, and the courage to execute.”
On her part, MTN’s Chief Enterprise Business Officer, Lynda Saint – Nwafor, described the partnership as evidence of deep collaboration to enhance passenger travel experience.
She affirmed that “Today highlights the strength of public–private partnership, as we at MTN deepen our collaboration with the Federal Airport Authority of Nigeria to enhance the experience of travellers coming into or leaving our great nation.”
“Connectivity is no longer a luxury. At MTN, we believe that everyone deserves the benefits of a modern, connected life. Whether you are conducting business, accessing vital information, staying in touch with loved ones, or passing time productively, reliable connectivity has become an enabler of modern living. That belief is what brings us together, today.”
Speaking further she said “We are proud to announce the launch of free Wi-Fi service across major airports in Nigeria, delivered in partnership with the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria. This initiative reflects a shared commitment to improving passenger experience, enhancing accessibility, and demonstrating what “shared value” means to us at MTN.”
Lynda Saint – Nwafor said “Airports are unique environments. They serve as gateways to opportunity and are busy intersections where people from all walks of life converge. From business travellers and tourists to airport personnel and service providers, everyone requires seamless and dependable connectivity. With this service, travellers across our major airports, while waiting to board, in transit, or upon arrival can now stay connected freely and effortlessly.”
“Over the next month, we will activate on-ground engagements at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport and Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport to drive awareness and encourage usage.”
Also, se disclosed saying “We have designed a simple and intuitive connection process, and our teams will be on hand to support passengers every step of the way. The service is open, accessible, and completely free. It is another first from MTN.
This initiative goes beyond offering plain vanilla internet access.”
“Our Wi-Fi platform is a smart, analytics-enabled solution that helps us and our partners better understand usage patterns, peak periods, and customer behaviour within the airport environments. These insights support improved service delivery, informed planning, and more personalised engagement, while ensuring full compliance with privacy and data protection obligations.”
“For FAAN, this represents an opportunity to elevate the airport experience and enhance service standards. For travellers, it brings convenience, productivity, and connection. For us at MTN, it reinforces our commitment to supporting national infrastructure development and enabling digital access in public spaces.”
“We see this as a proof point that shows how enterprise-grade connectivity can transform shared environments, stimulate engagement, and create lasting value. We are excited about what this partnership delivers today, and even more excited about what it can enable in the future.”
