Nigeria Rolls Out Free High-Speed WiFi at Key International Airports
A long-standing frustration for millions of air passengers passing through Nigeria is finally being addressed. The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) has launched free high-speed WiFi at two of the country's most important aviation gateways, marking a significant step toward bringing Nigerian terminals in line with global standards.
The service went live at Terminal 2 of Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos and at Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja. For anyone who has ever struggled to download a boarding pass, join a video call, or simply send a message while waiting at a Nigerian airport, this is welcome news. The era of patchy or non-existent connectivity in these busy hubs is drawing to a close.
The rollout is the result of a partnership between FAAN and MTN Nigeria, the country's largest mobile network operator. Rather than relying on government funding, the initiative is structured as a Public-Private Partnership. MTN covers the operational costs by leveraging branding opportunities within the airport spaces, while passengers enjoy the service completely free of charge. FAAN has been clear that there are no hidden fees involved.
Speaking on behalf of FAAN's Managing Director, Mrs. Olubunmi Kuku, the Director of Operations, Captain Mahmoud Abdullahi, framed the upgrade as far more than a technical improvement. Modern airport terminals, he explained, function as small cities in their own right — places where business deals are sealed, diplomatic work is carried out, and personal moments of reunion happen every day. Reliable internet access is no longer a luxury in such environments. It is a basic expectation, just like power and climate control.
From the MTN side, Chief Enterprise Business Officer Mrs. Cynthia Saint-Nwafor confirmed that the network has been built to cope with heavy passenger volumes. Smart analytics tools are in place to track usage patterns and maintain consistent performance even during peak hours. Brand ambassadors have also been stationed across terminals to help passengers connect easily, while strong data protection measures are embedded throughout the system.
What makes this development particularly relevant for the African travel trade is the broader signal it sends about Nigeria's commitment to modernising its aviation infrastructure. Airports are the first physical impression a destination makes on arriving visitors. When that first experience includes seamless digital connectivity, it shapes the traveller's perception of the entire country. For professionals packaging and selling Nigeria as a destination — whether for business, leisure, or events — this kind of upgrade matters deeply.
The good news does not stop with Lagos and Abuja. Expansion is already being planned, with Kano, Port Harcourt, and Enugu airports expected to come online within the next three months. Once these additional locations are connected, a significant share of Nigeria's domestic and international passenger traffic will have access to reliable, free internet while in transit.
This initiative also fits within the wider digital economy agenda championed by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the reform programme led by Aviation Minister Festus Keyamo. The approach of using private sector collaboration to deliver public infrastructure improvements is a model that other African nations may well look to replicate in their own airports and transport hubs.
For those working across Africa's travel industry, the takeaway is straightforward. Nigeria is actively investing in the passenger experience at its most visible entry points. As competition between African destinations intensifies, the quality of airport infrastructure — including digital services — will increasingly influence where travellers choose to fly and which routes operators prioritise. Staying informed about these shifts is essential for anyone advising clients on Nigerian itineraries or building partnerships with stakeholders in West Africa's largest economy.
