FAAN phases out physical luggage screening at Lagos airport

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.

‘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.