Travellers passing through Nigeria’s leading international gateways will now enjoy one hour of free high speed internet under a new partnership between the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria and MTN Nigeria. The service, which began quietly in December, has now been formally unveiled as part of efforts to improve passenger experience and modernise digital infrastructure across the country’s airports.
The complimentary Wi Fi is already active at Terminal 2 of the Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos and at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja. According to a FAAN spokesperson, travellers can connect seamlessly without the need for passwords. While the service has been operational for months, officials said the recent event marked its formal launch and broader public rollout.
FAAN confirmed that the initiative will soon extend to Port Harcourt International Airport, Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport, Akanu Ibiam International Airport, and the new temporary terminal at MMIA in Lagos. The expansion signals a deliberate attempt to reposition Nigerian airports in line with global standards, where fast and reliable connectivity is now considered a basic passenger expectation rather than a premium offering.
Previous attempts to deploy dependable airport internet services had faltered. A notable partnership between Globacom and FAAN to provide Wi Fi across 22 airports collapsed in 2015, leaving travellers reliant on expensive roaming services or unstable connections. Industry observers say the renewed push reflects a more structured approach to digital infrastructure in public spaces, particularly as air travel becomes increasingly digitised.
FAAN Managing Director and Chief Executive, Olubunmi Kuku, described reliable internet access as essential in today’s connected world, noting that the initiative will make travel more productive and convenient. MTN Nigeria Chief Executive Officer Karl Toriola said airports serve as gateways to nations and that providing free high speed connectivity enhances Nigeria’s global image.
The development aligns with findings from the IATA 2025 Global Passenger Survey, which shows that 78 per cent of travellers expect to use their smartphones at every stage of the airport journey, from booking and digital identification to baggage tracking, underscoring the growing centrality of connectivity in modern air travel.