Travel News

By Abdullateef Aliyu

Within the next few weeks, manual screening of passengers would be eliminated at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), in Lagos, according to the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN).

This followed the deployment of advanced screening technologies, e-gate systems to enhance security and safety of airport users.

MMA currently operates six Orion 928DX machines and four Orion 927DX systems, with plans to receive four more units in the coming weeks.

According to her, its integrated algorithm also allows it to adapt and absorb future upgrades, a feature many older systems lack. “This machine can evolve with new technologies. It’s designed to grow,” she said.

The system also includes a dual-mode auto-set feature for detecting organic substances, such as agricultural products, often concealed in luggage.

She disclosed that the authority adopted a train-the-trainer approach with the training of 12 staff members including users and technical support personnel who would train others. They were trained by equipment manufacturers in the UK.

According to Ogechukwu-Juliet, the upgrade is also ongoing at other international airports across the country, including Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja.

“With this technology, we really don’t need to stand by a table and start opening bags. Once the system identifies a suspicious item, it gives us an exact image and location. Then, if necessary, we proceed to a secondary search, quickly and efficiently.

“Let me put it this way, with this machine, we can dismantle the old manual search tables. That’s exactly what we’re looking at”, she noted. FAAN’s Director of Aviation Security Services, ACP Igbafe Afegbe (rtd) reiterated that manual passenger screening would be eliminated in the next one week.

“We are trying to eliminate physical contact and unnecessary interference during travel. With this new e-gate system, passengers only need to scan their boarding passes to pass through. Without a valid pass, access is denied — and that significantly reduces touting and prevents unauthorized access,” Afegbe said.

To further enhance security operations, FAAN has also installed a new set of high-performance baggage screening machines designed to detect narcotics, undeclared currencies, and other contraband at the cargo terminal.

“We are now installing multiple monitors on each screening machine, so every agency has access to a dedicated screen,” he said.

Head of FAAN’s Protocol Unit, Rose Annette Akinlabi, also explained that the lounge at the MMIA terminal two has been remodeled to serve as a transitional holding point for clients ahead of immigration processing.

“It’s a functional lounge, not your typical luxury setting. It’s primarily a holding area where we help our clients put their travel documents in order before taking them for passport stamping,” Akinlabi explained.

Speaking with our correspondent, Aviation analyst, Mr. Chris Aligbe said the multiplicity of agencies checking passenger baggage should be eliminated.

He said the deployment of facilities like the Orion is what is needed to facilitate passenger and baggage screening.

FG acknowledges US 14% tariff on Nigerian export

Meanwhile, the federal government has acknowledged the recent tariff measures announced by the U.S. Government, including imposing a 14 per cent tariff on Nigerian exports.

This is contained in a statement signed by Dr Jumoke Oduwole, Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, on Sunday in Abuja.

Oduwole, while responding to the announcement of the recent tariff, said that Nigeria remained actively engaged in consultations with U.S. counterparts and the World Trade Organisation (WTO).

She said that the Federal Government remained firmly committed to building economic resilience and accelerating export diversification.

“The Federal Government acknowledges the recent tariff measures announced by the government of the United States, including imposing a 14 per cent tariff on Nigerian exports.

“The Federal Government considers the United States a valued trade and investment partner, bound by shared values and mutual economic interests.”