Index to Nigerian Newspapers

The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria, in partnership with MTN Nigeria, has launched free WiFi services at two major Nigerian airports: the Murtala Muhammed International Airport Terminal 2 and the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport. The initiative comes after years of complaints by passengers over poor or non-existent internet connectivity at Nigerian airports despite repeated government budgetary allocations for such services. Under the arrangement, MTN Nigeria is responsible for financing and installing the internet infrastructure, while FAAN provides advertising spaces within the airports for the telecommunications company. During the official launch ceremony in Lagos, FAAN officials described the initiative as a milestone in improving passenger experience, airport operations, and digital infrastructure. Representatives of MTN Nigeria assured travellers of secure, reliable, and high-quality internet connectivity capable of meeting increasing digital demands. The partnership was also presented as a model of effective Public-Private Partnership aimed at modernising critical infrastructure and strengthening Nigeria’s digital economy. FAAN disclosed that the free WiFi service would be extended to other international airports and temporary terminals nationwide within three months. The development aligns with the Federal Government’s aviation transformation agenda and is expected to ease communication challenges faced by passengers, improve convenience, and bring Nigerian airports closer to global standards of digital connectivity.

The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority has announced plans to introduce a new $11.50 levy on international air tickets, raising the total security-related charges to $31.50 per passenger. The fee, known as the Advance Passenger Information System levy, is designed to strengthen aviation security and enhance passenger data management, with projected revenues expected to exceed $1 billion over 20 year. However, the proposal has drawn criticism from airline operators and other industry stakeholders, who argue that it will further increase the already high taxes on air tickets and could discourage international travel. Opponents of the levy have called for a policy review, expressing concern about its potential impact on affordability and competition, particularly in light of Nigeria’s rising inflation and unstable foreign exchange rates. Stakeholders have also urged the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority to provide greater transparency about the purpose of this new charge and how it will differ from existing fees.