Free Wi-Fi goes live at Nigeria’s major airports through FAAN–MTN partnership

TRAVELLERS passing through Nigeria’s busiest airports can now enjoy free high-speed internet, following the introduction of a nationwide airport Wi-Fi service by the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) in collaboration with MTN Nigeria.

The service officially launched on Thursday at Terminal 2 of Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos and simultaneously at Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja. The rollout marks the first phase of a broader initiative aimed at upgrading aviation infrastructure through a public-private model.

Speaking at the Lagos event, Mr Abdullahi Zubeir Mahmood, Director of Airport Operations, who represented FAAN’s managing director, described the deployment as a significant step in integrating Nigeria’s airports into the country’s expanding digital economy. He noted that airports are no longer merely transit hubs but dynamic centres of commercial and social interaction where reliable internet access has become indispensable.

According to Mr Mahmood, providing free, fast, and dependable connectivity will greatly enhance passenger experience. Travellers, he said, will now be able to work remotely, communicate effectively, and obtain critical travel information without interruption while waiting to board, in transit, or upon arrival.

“For too long, passengers have experienced the frustration of being disconnected when connectivity mattered most. With this launch, we are transforming waiting time into productive time and replacing frustration with functionality,” he stated.

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Mr Mahmood further emphasised that the partnership with MTN Nigeria underscores how public-private collaboration can deliver modern infrastructure without placing the full burden on government resources. He added that the project aligns with the Federal Government’s digital economy drive and complements ongoing aviation sector reforms.

He revealed that the current deployment represents only the beginning of a nationwide expansion plan. FAAN intends to extend the free Wi-Fi service to the temporary terminal at MMIA before moving to other international airports in Enugu, Port Harcourt, and Kano. “Our ambition is clear; no Nigerian airport should remain an offline island in a digital world,” he said.

On her part, Chief Enterprise Business Officer at MTN Nigeria, Ms Lynda Saint Nwafor, described the initiative as evidence of how strategic partnerships can strengthen service delivery and accelerate infrastructure development across the country.

She stressed that connectivity has become central to everyday life, enabling business transactions, access to information, communication with family and colleagues, and productive use of time during travel.

“We are proud to launch free Wi-Fi service across major airports in Nigeria, delivered in partnership with FAAN. This initiative reflects our shared commitment to improving passenger experience, enhancing accessibility, and demonstrating what shared value means to us at MTN,” Ms Nwafor said.

Ms Nwafor characterised airports as gateways to opportunity, where passengers, airport staff, and service providers all depend on seamless and reliable digital access. With the new service, she noted, travellers can remain connected effortlessly throughout their airport journey.

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She also disclosed that MTN will carry out on-ground engagement campaigns over the next month at MMIA and the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport to boost awareness and encourage adoption. The connection process, she added, has been designed to be straightforward, with support personnel available to assist users where necessary.

Beyond offering basic internet access, Ms Nwafor explained that the platform is analytics-enabled, providing insights into usage trends, peak activity periods, and customer behaviour within airport environments. She affirmed that the solution complies fully with data protection and privacy regulations.

Both FAAN and MTN expressed confidence that the collaboration will generate long-term value, align Nigerian airports with global standards, and contribute meaningfully to the country’s broader digital and economic transformation agenda.

Analysts say the partnership is the first step to making Nigeria’s airports align with global standards in line with the demands of passengers.