BY OLAPEJU OLUBI
The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) has partnered with to roll out free airport WiFi services at two of the country’s busiest gateways, marking a major step in efforts to modernise aviation infrastructure through Public-Private Partnership (PPP).
The complimentary high-speed internet service is now live at Terminal 2 of the Murtala Muhammed Airport, Lagos and at NnamdiAzikiweInternationalAirport, Abuja.
The official launch ceremony was held at MMIA Terminal 2, where the Managing Director/Chief Executive of FAAN, Mrs Olubunmi Kuku, was represented by the Director of Airport Operations, Captain Abdullahi Mahmood.
Also in attendance was Lynda Saint-Nwafor, Chief Enterprise Business Officer of MTN Nigeria, who represented the company’s Chief Executive Officer, Mr Karl Toriola.
Speaking at the event, Captain Mahmood described the initiative as a turning point in FAAN’s digital transformation journey.
“The launch of free WiFi at our major international gateways is a milestone for FAAN and sets a new benchmark for digital infrastructure and passenger experience at Nigerian airports,” he said.
He explained that beyond improving convenience for travellers, the project underscores how effective collaboration between government agencies and private sector players can deliver tangible benefits to citizens.
“This partnership with MTN Nigeria demonstrates how effective Public-Private Partnership alignment can modernise infrastructure and strengthen Nigeria’s digital economy,” Mahmood added.
Under the arrangement, the WiFi service is completely free for passengers, airport users, and other stakeholders operating within the terminals.
Travellers can now browse, stream, send emails, attend virtual meetings, and stay connected while waiting for flights without incurring additional data costs.
FAAN disclosed that the service will not be limited to Lagos and Abuja, adding that Plans are already underway to extend connectivity to the MMIA temporary terminal and other international airports across the country within the next three months, signalling a broader nationwide rollout.
The initiative, Mahmood noted, aligns with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President and complements the reform-driven transformation agenda of the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, .
By embedding reliable internet access into airport operations, FAAN is positioning connectivity as an essential service rather than a luxury, in line with global aviation standards.
In her remarks, Saint-Nwafor assured stakeholders that the network would meet high performance and security standards.
“The service will be reliable, secure, and efficient for all users,” she stated, emphasising MTN Nigeria’s commitment to delivering enterprise-grade connectivity in high-traffic environments such as airports.
She commended the FAAN management team for what she described as foresight and strategic collaboration in ensuring the project’s successful delivery.
Saint-Nwafor said the partnership reflects MTN Nigeria’s broader mission of driving digital inclusion and supporting critical national infrastructure.
Industry observers say the launch signals FAAN’s growing appetite for structured PPP arrangements as a tool for accelerating infrastructure upgrades without placing additional strain on public finances.
For passengers, however, the impact is immediate and practical: the ability to stay connected from check-in to boarding, whether for business, education, or personal communication.
With the signal now live in Lagos and Abuja, FAAN and MTN Nigeria are betting that seamless connectivity will soon become a standard feature across Nigeria’s international airports—reshaping the travel experience and reinforcing the country’s push toward a digitally enabled aviation sector.
Olapeju is a journalist and aviation reporter.
