After years of complaints by passengers over poor or non-existent internet connectivity at Nigerian airports, free WiFi services have been launched at two of the country’s busiest hubs through a partnership between the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria and MTN Nigeria.
The service was unveiled at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport Terminal 2 in Lagos and the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja.
Under the agreement, MTN is funding the installation of the free WiFi infrastructure, while FAAN is providing advertising spaces for the telecommunications firm within the airports.
For years, travellers arriving at or departing from Nigerian airports struggled to access basic internet services, despite repeated budgetary allocations for connectivity projects. The Federal Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development has again proposed an ₦800m allocation in the 2026 budget to provide and upgrade internet services across five international airports and several domestic terminals.
The official launch ceremony took place at MMIA Terminal 2 in Lagos. The Managing Director and Chief Executive of FAAN, Mrs Olubunmi Kuku, was represented by the Director of Airport Operations, Abdullahi Mahmood.
Also present was Lynda Saint-Nwafor, Chief Enterprise Business Officer of MTN Nigeria, representing the company’s Chief Executive Officer, Karl Toriola.
In her remarks, Saint-Nwafor assured passengers that the service would be secure, reliable and capable of supporting increasing digital demands at airports. She commended FAAN’s leadership for what she described as foresight and collaboration.
“We are committed to providing connectivity that enables productivity, convenience, and seamless communication for passengers and airport users. This partnership reflects a shared vision to improve customer experience and position Nigerian airports within global standards of digital connectivity,” she said.
Mahmood described the initiative as a major turning point for airport operations and passenger satisfaction.
“This launch represents a significant milestone for FAAN and sets a new benchmark for digital infrastructure and passenger experience at Nigerian airports,” he stated.
He added that the collaboration demonstrates how effective Public-Private Partnerships can accelerate infrastructure delivery.
“Our partnership with MTN Nigeria shows that when government institutions and private sector players align, we can modernise critical infrastructure and strengthen Nigeria’s digital economy,” Mahmood said.
According to him, the free WiFi service will be extended to the MMIA temporary terminal and other international airports nationwide within the next three months.
He noted that the project aligns with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu and the reform efforts of the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo.
A frequent traveller, Adewale Balogun, welcomed the development, saying it would significantly improve travel comfort.
“Sometimes you arrive and cannot even send a message to your family or request ride services because there is no internet. This will make travelling through Nigerian airports less stressful,” he said.
