Air travellers passing through Nigeria’s leading international airports can now enjoy one hour of free high-speed internet, following a new partnership between the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) and MTN Nigeria, the country’s largest telecommunications provider.
The service, which quietly went live in December, is currently available at Terminal 2 of Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos and at Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja. According to FAAN, passengers can connect seamlessly without the need for a password.
“It has been on since December; what we did today was a formal launch of the initiative,” a FAAN spokesperson confirmed.
Expansion to Other Key Airports
FAAN disclosed that the free Wi-Fi service will soon extend to Port Harcourt International Airport, Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport, Akanu Ibiam International Airport, as well as the new temporary terminal at MMIA in Lagos.
The rollout marks a significant upgrade in Nigeria’s airport digital infrastructure, an area long criticised for inconsistent service delivery. Previous attempts to deploy reliable airport Wi-Fi — including a now-defunct partnership between Globacom and FAAN in 2015 — were plagued by funding gaps and maintenance challenges, often leaving travellers dependent on expensive roaming services or unstable connections.
Connectivity Now a Travel Essential
FAAN Managing Director and Chief Executive, Olubunmi Kuku, described the initiative as a necessary step toward modernising airport services.
“In today’s connected world, access to reliable internet is no longer a luxury but a necessity,” she said. “We are pleased to offer this value-added service to our passengers, making their travel experience easier and more productive.”
The development aligns Nigeria’s aviation hubs more closely with global standards, where fast and reliable Wi-Fi has become a basic passenger expectation.
According to the International Air Transport Association (IATA) 2025 Global Passenger Survey, 78 per cent of travellers now expect to use their smartphones at every stage of their airport journey — from booking and digital identification to baggage tracking.
MTN Nigeria Chief Executive Officer Karl Toriola said the partnership underscores the strategic role airports play in shaping national connectivity.
“Airports are gateways to nations, and by providing free, high-speed Wi-Fi at our major international airports, we are enhancing convenience for travellers,” he said.
With the expansion underway, Nigeria’s busiest airports are positioning themselves to deliver a more connected and globally competitive passenger experience.
