The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) is set to deploy new AI-powered security machines at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), Lagos.
This marks a significant upgrade to airport screening processes, aimed at improving efficiency and reducing physical contact during checks.
According to FAAN’s Director of Aviation Security Services, Afegbai Igbafe, once installation is complete, the traditional customs tables will be removed. The upgraded system includes six monitors—one for each agency operating at the checkpoint—allowing officials to inspect baggage remotely.
“The tables you see today will be history,” Igbafe stated. “Passengers will no longer have physical contact with officers unless necessary. If the AI system flags a bag, the passenger will be escorted to a designated screening area monitored by CCTV, ensuring transparency and preventing exploitation.”
The system will alert relevant agencies such as Customs, NDLEA, Quarantine, and DSS when specific items are detected. Igbafe also noted that enhanced training will be provided to these agencies to maximize the new equipment’s capabilities, especially in drug detection.
Chima Oge, Head of ICT at MMIA, highlighted the capabilities of the new Orion 927DX machine, noting its advanced features for identifying organic materials with greater accuracy through both range and interactive modes.
However, not everyone is convinced. Retired Group Captain and aviation analyst John Ojikutu questioned whether the new system would eliminate the need for secondary baggage screening by foreign airlines. He emphasized that human operators remain critical to the system’s effectiveness and recalled past failures with similar equipment donated by the TSA.
While the technology upgrade is a major step forward, experts say sustained oversight and accountability will determine its success.
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