New Wi-Fi roll out ends 11 years internet dark age at Lagos, Abuja airports

• FAAN, MTN partnership  returns connectivity to aerodromes

After roughly 11 years without a reliable, airport-wide internet service, free public Wi-Fi was officially launched at Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA) in Lagos on Thursday.

 This return of connectivity is the result of a new partnership between the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) and MTN Nigeria.

 The service is currently live in MMIA Terminal 2 (the new terminal) and has also been launched simultaneously at Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport (NAIA) in Abuja. This new rollout is designed for all passengers.

This launch effectively ends the internet dark age that began in 2015 after the collapse of the previous Globacom (Glo) Wi-Fi partnership. Since then, passengers have largely relied on private lounges or personal data.

This rollout is part of the  Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo’s broader digital transformation of the aviation sector.

The Managing Director of FAAN, Mrs Olubunmi Kuku, described the event as a milestone moment for the agency, not only for launching a WiFi service but also for setting a new benchmark for Nigeria’s digital infrastructure and airport experience.

She said, “Today, in partnership with MTN Nigeria, we flip the switch on free, reliable, high-speed internet connectivity for airport users. As of now, this service is live and operational at Terminal 2 of Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, and at Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja.”

Kuku further stated that a modern airport is not merely a place of transit, but a city of human activity, adding that within the walls, a businessman closes a life-changing deal via video call.

“A student submits their university application before boarding, their dreams taking flight alongside their journey. A first-time visitor to Nigeria receives a reassuring video call from his host while going through immigration. A family shares precious travel moments in real time with loved ones back home. A diplomat researches their destination, preparing to represent our great nation. These are not just transactions – these are human moments that matter”.

“For too long, our passengers have experienced the frustration of being disconnected when connection mattered most. Today, we change that story. We transform waiting time into working time. We replace frustration with functionality. We tell every passenger who walks through our doors: your time, your dreams, your connections – they all matter to us. This is the value of free WiFi. But more than that, this is the value we place on every Nigerian who travels through our airports.”

“Our message today is crystal clear: Nigerian aviation is open for business, ready for the future, and unwilling to settle for less than the best. This partnership with MTN represents something far larger than convenience – it is a testament to what we can achieve when the public and private sectors align their capabilities with a shared national purpose.”

 Kuku noted that the partnership with MTN is a major step forward in our efforts to modernise infrastructure and improve the digital economy, stressing that in today’s connected world, access to reliable internet is no longer a luxury but a necessity.

“We are not simply installing routers; we are building bridges between government objectives and citizen experience. This free WiFi service supports President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s digital economy agenda. It advances the transformative vision of the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Mr Festus Keyamo”.

This WiFi is our promise that FAAN is listening, and we hope you will hold us accountable as we continue this transformation. To potential partners in both the public and private sectors: join us. This is what partnership looks like when it is driven by genuine purpose. Together, we can accelerate the deployment of critical digital infrastructure that will position Nigeria as a leader in aviation excellence. The signal is on – now let us amplify it together.”

MTN’s Chief Enterprise Business Officer, Lynda Saint–Nwafor, said connectivity is no longer a luxury, saying, ” At MTN, we believe that everyone deserves the benefits of a modern, connected life.

“Whether you are conducting business, accessing vital information, staying in touch with loved ones, or passing the time productively, reliable connectivity has become an enabler of modern living. That belief is what brings us together today.”

“We are proud to announce the launch of free Wi-Fi service across major airports in Nigeria, delivered in partnership with the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria. This initiative reflects a shared commitment to improving passenger experience, enhancing accessibility, and demonstrating what shared value means to us at MTN.”

Wole Shadare