FAAN to deploy biometric gates, digital passenger systems at Lagos airport
The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) plans to introduce biometric gates and other digital systems at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), Lagos, to improve passenger processing and bring the facility closer to global standards.
FAAN Managing Director, Mrs Olubunmi Onabanjo-Kuku, disclosed this on the sidelines of the 35th Airport Council International (ACI-Africa) conference in Abuja, saying the planned upgrade would go beyond physical renovation to incorporate smart technology across airport operations.
“We are reimagining the future of MMIA. This is far more than a physical renovation; we are elevating Nigeria’s primary aviation gateway to global standards by integrating smart passenger-processing systems across every touchpoint,” she said.
She said facial recognition would be deployed at check-in and security points, while automated electronic gates would scan passport data pages for real-time verification. Modern screening machines and smart lanes would also streamline security checks and reduce waiting times.
Onabanjo-Kuku added that access gates, car parks and lounges would move towards digital transactions, while runway safety, airfield lighting and aircraft docking systems would be upgraded to reduce human and manual errors.
She said MMIA recorded a 24.1 per cent increase in scheduled seat capacity in September, attributing the growth to currency reforms, new aircraft leasing arrangements and increased confidence among international airlines.
The FAAN chief said African aviation recorded a 6.4 per cent year-on-year increase in international passenger demand in July 2026, compared with a 0.1 per cent decline globally.
Onabanjo-Kuku said FAAN had also pursued runway rehabilitation, terminal upgrades, improved airfield lighting and passenger-experience reforms since 2023, while more than 3,500 personnel had received ICAO and ACI training. She added that greater public-private collaboration would be needed to sustain infrastructure development.
