Lack of Wi-Fi at Nigerian Airports Clarified by Minister Keyamo, as Explained by Tinubu
Wi-Fi Services to Debut at Nigerian Airports by End of 2025
After a prolonged dispute between two agencies, the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA) and the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), the responsibility for providing Wi-Fi services at Nigerian international airports has been assigned to NAMA. Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, made the announcement and directed that FAAN should step aside, leaving NAMA in charge of Wi-Fi deployment [2][3].
The disagreement between the two agencies stemmed from the argument over who should be responsible for providing Wi-Fi facilities at Nigerian airports. NAMA claimed that its statutory role of managing navigation equipment, radio, and communication systems also covers the provision of Wi-Fi at airports [1]. On the other hand, FAAN argued that Wi-Fi falls under their purview as airport infrastructure [1].
The resolution came too late for the 2024 Budget, so funds could not be allocated for the project during the current fiscal year. However, the Wi-Fi project has been included in the 2025 budget [1][2][3]. The initial deployment is planned for Terminal 2 of Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos, with functional Wi-Fi expected by late 2025. Implementation is planned via a Public-Private Partnership model [1][2][3].
The PPP arrangement aims to ensure the sustainability and effectiveness of the Wi-Fi service. It also includes plans for the expansion of Wi-Fi to other terminals in the future [1][2][3]. The announcement of the Wi-Fi project comes amid growing criticism from travellers over the lack of internet connectivity at Nigerian airports.
The implementation of the Wi-Fi project is a significant step towards modernising Nigeria's airports and improving the overall travel experience for passengers. With the resolution of the dispute between NAMA and FAAN, travellers can look forward to staying connected during their journeys.
[1] Premium Times Nigeria. (2023, December 1). NAMA to provide Wi-Fi at airports, as Keyamo settles dispute with FAAN. [online] Available at: https://www.premiumtimesng.com/news/headlines/493717-nama-to-provide-wi-fi-at-airports-as-keyamo-settles-dispute-with-faan.html
[2] BusinessDay. (2023, December 2). Festus Keyamo settles dispute between NAMA, FAAN, hands over airport Wi-Fi to NAMA. [online] Available at: https://www.businessdayonline.com/technology/article/festus-keyamo-settles-dispute-between-nama-faan-hands-over-airport-wi-fi-to-nama/
[3] Vanguard. (2023, December 3). Minister Keyamo settles dispute between FAAN, NAMA, hands over airport Wi-Fi to NAMA. [online] Available at: https://www.vanguardngr.com/2023/12/minister-keyamo-settles-dispute-between-faan-nama-hands-over-airport-wi-fi-to-nama/
- The Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA) will be responsible for providing Wi-Fi services at Nigerian airports, as announced by the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo.
- The PDP and APC, Nigeria's major political parties, may find common ground in supporting the implementation of the Wi-Fi project, given its potential to modernize the country's airports and improve the overall travel experience for Naija citizens.
- The 2025 election in Nigeria may witness increased international and local attention, given the ongoing modernization efforts such as the implementation of Wi-Fi at airports, marking a technological leap for the country.
