In a significant move to modernize Nigeria’s aviation infrastructure, the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), in partnership with MTN Nigeria, officially launched free high-speed WiFi services today, February 19, 2026. The service is now live at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA) Terminal 2 in Lagos and the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport (NAIA) in Abuja.
The initiative, described as a "milestone for the digital economy," marks the end of a long period of inconsistent connectivity at the nation’s primary gateways. It is part of a broader strategy by the Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development to enhance passenger experience through strategic Public-Private Partnerships (PPP).
Transforming "Waiting Time into Working Time"
The official launch ceremony took place at the MMIA Terminal 2 in Lagos. Speaking on behalf of the Managing Director/Chief Executive of FAAN, Mrs. Olubunmi Kuku, the Director of Airport Operations, Captain Abdullahi Mahmood, highlighted the transformative nature of the project.
“For too long, our passengers have experienced the frustration of being disconnected when connection mattered most. Today, we change that story,” Mahmood stated. “We are transforming waiting time into working time and replacing frustration with functionality.”
The authority emphasized that in a modern, connected world, reliable internet is no longer a luxury but a necessity for travelers. Whether closing business deals via video calls, submitting university applications, or checking in with loved ones, the new service aims to provide a seamless digital transition for those arriving in or departing from Nigeria.
A Phased Nationwide Rollout
While the service is currently operational in the new terminals of Lagos and Abuja, FAAN confirmed that this is only the first phase of a larger deployment.
Immediate Availability: MMIA Terminal 2 (Lagos) and NAIA (Abuja).
Next 3 Months: Expansion to the MMIA temporary terminal and other international airports across Nigeria.
User Support: MTN teams will be stationed on-ground over the next month to assist passengers with the connection process and drive awareness of the new service.
Strategic Partnership and Digital Inclusion
The collaboration reflects a shared vision between the government and the private sector. Lynda Saint-Nwafor, Chief Enterprise Business Officer of MTN Nigeria (representing CEO Karl Toriola), noted that the initiative demonstrates MTN’s commitment to "shared value" and digital inclusion.
The WiFi platform is not just a basic internet connection; it is a smart, analytics-enabled solution. This allows FAAN and MTN to monitor usage patterns and peak periods, ensuring that the bandwidth remains stable even during the busiest travel hours. The partnership aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda and the digital economy goals spearheaded by the Minister of Aviation, Festus Keyamo.
Modernizing the Gateway to Africa
For many years, travelers at Nigerian airports relied on expensive personal data roaming or exclusive lounge access for internet. This launch effectively bridges that gap, bringing Nigeria's major hubs in line with international best practices found in global aviation centers.
The move is also seen as a precursor to a wider digital transformation. Just earlier this week, FAAN announced a transition toward fully cashless environments at airport touchpoints by the end of February 2026, signaling a rapid pivot toward an audited, efficient, and technologically-driven revenue and service model.
As passenger traffic continues to grow in the post-reformed aviation sector, the provision of free internet is expected to significantly boost Nigeria's image as a business-friendly destination. By integrating world-class technology with local infrastructure, FAAN and MTN have set a new benchmark for what travelers can expect when they step onto Nigerian soil.