The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) has partnered with MTN Nigeria to launch free WiFi services at two of Nigeria’s busiest airports, the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA) Terminal 2 in Lagos and the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja.
The initiative, delivered under a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) arrangement, is expected to improve passenger experience while advancing Nigeria’s broader digital infrastructure goals.
The service was officially launched at MMIA Terminal 2. Mrs. Olubunmi Kuku, the managing director/chief executive of FAAN, who was represented by the Director of Airport Operations, Captain Abdullahi Mahmood, described the development as a significant milestone for Nigeria’s aviation ecosystem.
Also present at the launch was Lynda Saint-Nwafor, chief enterprise business Officer at MTN Nigeria, who represented the company’s Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Karl Toriola.
What this means for passengers and the aviation sector
The WiFi service is completely free for passengers and airport users. FAAN disclosed that the rollout will be extended to the MMIA temporary terminal and other international airports nationwide within the next three months.
According to FAAN, the initiative represents a benchmark for digital infrastructure at Nigerian airports, positioning them closer to global standards where seamless connectivity has become a core component of passenger experience.
Captain Mahmood noted that the collaboration underscores how effective PPP alignment can accelerate infrastructure modernisation without placing additional funding pressure on the federal government.
Economic and policy implications
Beyond passenger convenience, the project signals growing private sector participation in aviation infrastructure upgrades, a sector that has historically struggled with funding gaps.
FAAN stated that the initiative aligns with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the transformation drive of the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo.
For MTN Nigeria, the partnership strengthens its enterprise and infrastructure footprint while reinforcing its positioning as a key enabler of Nigeria’s digital economy.
In her remarks, Saint-Nwafor assured users that the service would be reliable, secure, and efficient, adding that the successful delivery of the project reflects strong collaboration between both institutions.
… impact on economy
As Nigeria pushes for improved broadband penetration and digital inclusion, airport connectivity upgrades could serve as a model for further infrastructure partnerships across transport hubs, government facilities, and other public spaces.
With passenger traffic gradually recovering and expanding, improved digital services may also enhance airport competitiveness, support business travellers, and improve operational efficiency across the aviation value chain.
