Market News
FAAN, MTN launch free WiFi at two airports - PUNCH
After years of complaints by passengers over poor or non-existent internet connectivity at Nigerian airports despite repeated budgetary allocations, free WiFi services have finally been launched at two of the country’s busiest airports 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, Lagos, and the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja.
The PUNCH gathered that MTN is footing the bills for the installation of the free WiFi, while FAAN provides advertising spaces for the telecommunications company at the airports.
For years, travellers arriving at or departing from Nigerian airports struggled to access basic internet services, even as successive budgets made provisions for internet connectivity.
The PUNCH reports that the Federal Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development has again proposed an N800m allocation in the 2026 budget for the provision and upgrade of internet services across five international airports and several domestic terminals.
The official launch ceremony took place at MMIA Terminal 2 in Lagos, where the Managing Director/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 growing digital demands at airports. She commended FAAN’s leadership for what she described as foresight and collaboration that made the project possible.
“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 added.
Speaking at the event, Capt Mahmood described the initiative as a major turning point for airport operations and customer satisfaction. “This launch represents a significant milestone for FAAN and sets a new benchmark for digital infrastructure and passenger experience at Nigerian airports,” he said.
He explained that the collaboration demonstrates how effective Public-Private Partnerships can accelerate infrastructure delivery. Mahmood said, “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.”
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 further noted that the project aligns with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu and the ongoing transformation drive of the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo.
Frequent traveller Adewale Balogun said the development 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.
