The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) has officially ended physical luggage checks at both the old and new terminals of Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), Lagos, replacing them with advanced scanning technology to streamline passenger processing and enhance security.
This significant shift follows the deployment of Orion 928DX Rapiscan machines and surveillance systems, capable of detecting concealed narcotics, undeclared currency, explosives, and organic materials. Manual luggage checks will now only occur when the system flags a suspicious item.
What’s Changing?
- Manual search tables at terminal entrances will be dismantled this week.
- Passengers will no longer undergo physical bag checks unless suspicious items are detected.
- All scans will be monitored by multiple agencies including Nigeria Immigration Service, Customs, NDLEA, and Quarantine Services, through a centralized surveillance system for accountability.
Cutting-Edge Technology
The Orion 928DX machines—considered among the most advanced in global aviation—use artificial intelligence and Narscan technology to conduct real-time scans and pinpoint threats with precision. The system can simultaneously detect multiple items including narcotics, explosives, organic substances, and even highlight excess currency without identifying denominations.
“Unlike older models that detected one threat at a time, this system handles multiple scans in real-time and adapts to future upgrades,” said Juliet Chima-Ogechukwu, Head of ICT, FAAN Lagos.
FAAN has already deployed six 928DX and four 927DX units, with four more arriving soon. Personnel have been trained in both operation and technical support by experts from the UK.
More Discreet Screening and Agency Integration
Plans are underway to install private screening cubicles beside scanning points for discreet secondary checks. Additionally, monitors will be provided for all security agencies, ensuring each one has a dedicated screen to view flagged visuals in real time.
E-Gates to Transform Passenger Experience
In line with modernizing airport operations, FAAN is also test-running electronic gates (e-gates) at MMIA. Passengers will be able to gain entry by simply scanning their boarding passes, significantly reducing human contact and unauthorized access.
“We’re eliminating unnecessary interference during travel. If you don’t have a valid boarding pass, you can’t go through,” said Albert Igbafe Afegbai, Director of Aviation Security Services.
FAAN is rolling out similar upgrades at other international airports including Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja.
