Connect with us

Economy

FAAN Phases Out Physical Luggage Screening At MMIA Lagos

Published

on

FAAN

FAAN Phases Out Physical Luggage Screening At MMIA Lagos

FAAN phases out physical luggage screening at MMIA Lagos. The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) has phased out physical luggage screening at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), Lagos.

This follows the installation of advanced Rapiscan screening machines and surveillance systems at key checkpoints within both the old and new terminals. The new technology is aimed at streamlining security processes and reducing pre-flight check-in time.

According to a report by The Nation, FAAN has installed four high-capacity scanning machines at MMIA, which are capable of detecting illicit drugs, concealed currency, and other prohibited items.

Also, physical searches will now be conducted only when suspicious items are flagged by the Rapiscan systems.

To support the enhanced security framework, the publication said surveillance monitors are being installed for use by border control agencies, including the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS), Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), and the National Agricultural Quarantine Service (NAQS).

The report said the monitors will be linked to a central control system to ensure accountability, with personnel identities displayed for transparency, and as part of the modernisation, the long-standing manual search table at the terminal entrance will be dismantled this week to significantly improve passenger flow.

INTRODUCTION OF ORION 928DX SCANNERS
The newly deployed Orion 928DX, regarded as one of the most advanced security systems in global aviation, is a key component of FAAN’s broader effort to modernise airport security with e-gates and enhanced inter-agency collaboration.

The system integrates artificial intelligence with real-time threat detection and is redefining baggage screening at Nigeria’s busiest airport.

The scanner is equipped with crystal-clear digital displays and smart features designed to detect narcotics, explosives, organic materials, and undeclared currency with high accuracy.

Speaking in an interview, Juliet Chima–Ogechukwu, FAAN’s head of information and communication technology (ICT) at the Lagos international airport, confirmed that personnel have been trained in the use of the new facilities to enhance security at the terminal.

“As luggage passes through the machine, it performs real-time scanning, quickly flagging suspicious content and highlighting it clearly on screen,” she said.

Chima–Ogechukwu noted that unlike older systems, which could detect only one threat at a time, the Orion 928DX can simultaneously scan for explosives and narcotics.

She added that the scanner also features a dual-mode auto-set function for detecting organic substances, such as concealed agricultural products, and can identify excess currency beyond permitted travel limits.

According to the ICT head, the scanner identifies them through two scanning modes, range and interactive, enabling security personnel to isolate specific pixels and trace their origins within the bag.

Chima-Ogechukwu further disclosed that MMIA currently operates six Orion 928DX machines and four Orion 927DX systems, with plans to acquire four more units in the coming weeks.

She added that similar upgrades are ongoing at Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, and other major airports across the country.

“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,” she said.

The ICT head further said FAAN is also setting up a private screening cubicle near the scanning area for discreet checks, with additional monitors for real-time access by security agencies.

FAAN

FAAN

‘WE’RE TRYING TO ELIMINATE PHYSICAL CONTACT DURING TRAVEL’.

Also speaking, Albert Afegbai, FAAN’s director of aviation security services, said collaboration is being strengthened among security agencies to support the new security architecture.

Afegbai revealed that the ongoing test run of newly introduced electronic gates (E-gates) at MMIA will significantly enhance passenger experience.

“We are trying to eliminate physical contact and unnecessary interference during travel,” Afegbai said.
“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 unauthorised access.”

He also noted that FAAN has installed additional high-performance baggage screening machines to detect contraband more effectively. Afegbai said prior to the installations, existing equipment fell short in detecting certain prohibited items.

“We are now installing multiple monitors on each screening machine, so every agency has access to a dedicated screen,” he added. On December 20, 2024, Festus Keyamo, minister of aviation and aerospace development, inaugurated an E-gate installed by FAAN at the departure wing of the Lagos airport.

According to the authority, the E-gate was installed to enhance passenger comfort, reflecting the minister’s commitment to improving Nigeria’s aviation sector and delivering a better travel experience.

Economy

Lagos Assembly Strongly Seeks Suspension Of Makoko Demolition

Published

on

By

Lagos Assembly

Lagos Assembly Strongly Seeks Suspension Of Makoko Demolition

Lagos assembly strongly seeks suspension of Makoko demolition. The Lagos state house of assembly has called for the suspension of demolition activities in Makoko, Oko-Agbon and Shogunro waterfront communities following protests by displaced residents and growing public concern over the exercise.

The call was announced on Tuesday by Noheem Adams, chairman of an ad hoc committee set up by Mudashiru Obasa, speaker of the house, during a stakeholders’ meeting held at the Lateef Jakande auditorium.

Adams called on all state ministries to cease demolition work and promised compensation to the affected residents.
“On behalf of the speaker and all 40 members of the house, we are directing that all demolitions in Makoko, Oko-Agbon, and Shogunro communities should stop from today until further notice,” New Telegraph quoted Adams as saying.

He called for transparency by demanding the full list of taskforce members and the criteria used for engagement, insisting that residents must be actively involved in the process.

“That the taskforce that was constituted, we want to see the list of the taskforce because we want the residents to be duly involved and to be carried along. So we want to have the schedule of those task forces and the criteria for those that we are inviting,” Adams added.

Lagos Assembly

Lagos Assembly

“To the residents of Makoko, Oko-Agbon and Shogunro communities, as your representatives, we are giving you all assurances that they will stop demolitions henceforth and there will be compensations for all those whose properties have been demolished.”

Stephen Ogundipe, member of the ad-hoc, said there is need for clear communication, adding that residents targeted for relocation or redevelopment must be informed of the government’s plans in advance.

Babatunde Olajide, special adviser to governor of Lagos on E-GIS and urban renewal, confirmed that $2 million had been earmarked since 2021 to transform Makoko into a modern, internationally compliant water city.

He said enumeration of affected properties is underway and reiterated the administration’s commitment to handling the situation with a human face, prioritizing resident safety and fair compensation.

Yusuf Sagra, baale of Makoko, described the assembly’s decision as a “word of peace,” while Orioye Ogungbure, another leader of the community, praised the “democratic responsiveness” of the government.

Continue Reading

Crime

EFCC Arrests Kannywood Star, Samha Inuwa for Alleged Naira Mutilation In Viral Video

Published

on

By

EFCC Probes Man

EFCC Arrests Kannywood Star, Samha Inuwa for Alleged Naira Mutilation In Viral Video

EFCC arrests Kannywood Star, Samha Inuwa for alleged naira mutilation in viral video. The Kano Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC,   on Tuesday, February 3, 2026  arrested a Kannywood Star, Samha Inuwa over alleged Naira mutilation.

Inuwa was arrested following a viral video circulated on social media platforms where she was seen conspicuously cleaning mucus from her nose using Naira notes.

EFCC Probes Man

EFCC

Following the release of the viral video, the Commission swung into action by tracing and subsequently arrested her to answer questions.
She is currently being held at the Commission’s detention facility while investigation is ongoing.

The suspect will be charged to court upon conclusion of investigations.

Dele Oyewale
Head,  Media & Publicity
February 3, 2026

Continue Reading

Economy

Access Bank Gets New Board Chair Ifeyinwa Osime

Published

on

By

National Bank Of Kenya

Access Bank Gets New Board Chair Ifeyinwa Osime

Access Bank gets new board chair Ifeyinwa Osime. Access Bank Plc has appointed Ifeyinwa Osime as chair of the board of directors, following the retirement of Paul Usoro, on January 29.

Access Bank Plc has appointed Ifeyinwa Osime as chair of the board of directors, following the retirement of Paul Usoro, on January 29, according to a statement to the Nigerian Exchange Ltd. on Monday.

Ms Osime, a legal practitioner, joined Access Bank’s board in November 2019 as an independent non-executive director and had chaired its Human Resources and Sustainability Committee and the Governance, Nomination, and Remuneration Committee. This role made her contribute significantly to the bank’s corporate governance, leadership development, and sustainability initiatives.

Additionally, Ms Osime is a director at Ebudo Trust Ltd. and a partner at McPherson Legal Practitioners, where she advises on corporate and commercial matters and contributes to strategic leadership.

She is also a member of the Nigerian Bar Association, the Women Corporate Directors, Nigeria Chapter, and the Chartered Institute of Directors, Nigeria, where she serves on the Executive Committee of the Women Sectoral Group.

National Bank Of Kenya

Access Bank Gets New Board Chair Ifeyinwa Osime

Beyond her professional responsibilities, Ms Osime is committed to mentoring youths and is actively involved in the Autism and Developmental Delays Support Community, reflecting her dedication to inclusion and social impact.
Speaking on her appointment, the group chairman, Aigboje Aig-lmoukhuede, said, “Mrs Osime is a principled and experienced leader with a deep understanding of the Bank’s strategy and values.

“She has demonstrated strong commitment to the bank’s vision and mission, and I am confident that, under her leadership, the bank will continue to advance its strategic objectives of delivering sustainable value to shareholders and other stakeholders in the pursuit of its vision to become the world’s most respected African bank.”

Mr Aig-lmoukhuede also congratulated Mr Usoro on the completion of his tenure and on his exemplary leadership, dedication, and significant contributions to the group, saying he remains a valued member of the Access family.

Continue Reading

Trending