The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) has announced a significant upgrade in passenger screening procedures by eliminating physical luggage checks at both the old and new terminals of Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), Lagos. This change follows the installation of advanced Rapiscan screening machines and surveillance systems at key checkpoints within the terminals.
The newly deployed technology aims to streamline security processes and reduce wait times during pre-flight check-ins. According to The Nation’s investigation, FAAN has installed four high-capacity screening machines at MMIA capable of detecting illicit drugs, concealed currency, and other prohibited items. Physical searches will now only be conducted when the Rapiscan system flags suspicious items.
To further enhance security, FAAN is installing surveillance monitors for use by border control agencies, including the Nigeria Immigration Service, Nigeria Customs Service, the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), and the National Agricultural Quarantine Service. These monitors will be linked to a central control system, ensuring accountability and transparency by displaying personnel identities during operations.
Officials confirmed that the long-standing manual search table at the terminal entrance will be dismantled this week, significantly easing passenger flow. The newly deployed Orion 928DX scanning system is considered one of the most advanced in global aviation security. It incorporates artificial intelligence and real-time threat detection, revolutionizing baggage screening at Nigeria’s busiest airport.
Equipped with high-resolution digital displays, the Orion 928DX can detect narcotics, explosives, organic materials, and undeclared currency with remarkable accuracy. The machine’s smart features allow for simultaneous detection of multiple threats, unlike older systems that could only identify one at a time. Additionally, its integrated algorithm enables it to adapt to future upgrades, ensuring long-term efficiency.
Speaking on the development, FAAN’s Head of ICT at Lagos International Airport, Juliet Chima-Ogechukwu, confirmed that personnel have been trained on the new system’s operation.
“As luggage passes through the machine, it performs real-time scanning, immediately flagging suspicious content and highlighting it on the screen. With its Narscan technology, it can precisely locate narcotics and explosives. The system also features a dual-mode auto-set function for detecting organic substances, such as agricultural products often hidden in luggage,” she said.
She further explained that the machine can detect currency exceeding permitted amounts, though it does not specify denominations. Instead, security personnel are alerted to investigate further.
Following the installation of the new screening systems, aviation security personnel have undergone intensive training, including technical support programs facilitated by the equipment manufacturer in the United Kingdom. FAAN currently operates six Orion 928DX and four Orion 927DX machines at MMIA, with four additional units expected in the coming weeks. Similar upgrades are underway at other international airports, including Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja.
FAAN’s Director of Aviation Security Services, Albert Igbafe Afegbai, highlighted ongoing efforts to strengthen collaboration among security agencies. He noted that the test run of newly introduced e-gates at Lagos International Airport will enhance passenger experience by minimizing physical contact and eliminating unnecessary interference during travel.
“With this new e-gate system, passengers only need to scan their boarding passes to proceed. Without a valid pass, access is denied. This significantly reduces touting and prevents unauthorized entry,” Afegbai stated.
To further improve security, FAAN has installed high-performance baggage screening machines designed to detect narcotics, undeclared currencies, and other contraband. Previously, existing equipment struggled to identify certain prohibited items, but the new machines bridge this gap. Additionally, FAAN is investing in capacity-building programs for agencies such as the NDLEA, DSS, Immigration, Quarantine, and Customs.
“We are now installing multiple monitors on each screening machine, allowing every agency access to a dedicated screen for real-time oversight,” Afegbai added.
With the implementation of this cutting-edge security system, MMIA is transitioning away from manual baggage checks entirely. FAAN is also setting up private screening cubicles for discreet secondary checks and installing additional monitors to enhance inter-agency collaboration.
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“Let me put it this way—this machine allows us to dismantle the old manual search tables. That’s exactly what we’re aiming for,” Chima-Ogechukwu emphasized.
FAAN’s commitment to modernizing airport security through AI-driven scanning systems, e-gates, and enhanced surveillance is expected to revolutionize passenger experience while ensuring top-tier security at Nigeria’s international airports.
