The Digest:
Festus Keyamo, Minister of Aviation, revealed that bureaucratic infighting between the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA) and the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) was the primary reason for the lack of Wi-Fi services at Nigerian airports. The issue has now been resolved, with plans to introduce Wi-Fi in 2026.
Key Points:
- Bureaucratic infighting between NAMA and FAAN delayed Wi-Fi installation.
- NAMA claimed jurisdiction over Wi-Fi, citing control over communication systems.
- FAAN argued Wi-Fi was part of airport infrastructure under their mandate.
- Keyamo intervened, mandating NAMA to handle Wi-Fi deployment.
- The 2024 budget prevented immediate funding for the project.
- The Public-Private Partnership model will fund Wi-Fi installation.
- Wi-Fi services will be first deployed at Terminal 2 of Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos.
- Free Wi-Fi is expected by the end of 2025.
The long-standing dispute between NAMA and FAAN delayed progress on providing Wi-Fi at Nigerian airports. With a resolution in place, Keyamo assured Nigerians that the project is now funded and will be rolled out by 2026.
Sources: Channels TV, Arise News
