The Federal Government, under the leadership of Bola Ahmed Tinubu, conducted a trial run of the newly installed electronic gates (e-gates) at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja on Friday. The test was overseen by the Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo.
Tunji-Ojo announced that the installation process is nearly complete, with the e-gates set to commence operations by the following week. He highlighted that the primary aim of deploying the e-gates is to streamline passenger movements, eliminate human interactions, and minimize bureaucratic processes.
Accompanied by high-ranking officials including the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Dr. Aishetu Ndayako, and the Comptroller-General of Immigration, Kemi Nanna Nandap, Tunji-Ojo emphasized the strategic placement of the e-gates. A total of 29 e-gates will be deployed in Lagos, with additional installations in Enugu, Kano, and Port-Harcourt.
He assured that rigorous testing has been conducted on airport infrastructure and command and control centers to ensure seamless operations. The e-gates have been designed to reject fake and expired passports while facilitating the clearance of genuine ones.
Tunji-Ojo underscored the significance of the e-gate infrastructure in bolstering national security, affirming that it aligns with the government’s commitment to enhancing airport security protocols. He commended the collaborative efforts of various stakeholders including the Federal Airport Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) and the Nigeria Customs Service.
The Minister extended gratitude to the Minister of Aviation, Hon Festus Keyamo (SAN), and other stakeholders for their contributions towards achieving this milestone in airport security transformation.
