The Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, tested the newly installed electronic gates (e-gates) at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja on Friday. He confirmed that the project was almost finished.
Tunji-Ojo said that the e-gates would be put into full operation by the next week.
Accompanying him were top officials such as the Ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Aishetu Ndayako, and the Comptroller-General of Immigration, Kemi Nanna Nandap.
The minister stressed that the e-gates were designed to make passenger movement more efficient by removing human interactions and bureaucratic obstacles.
The deployment plans consist of 29 e-gates for Lagos, four for Enugu and Kano each, and five for Port Harcourt. Tunji-Ojo highlighted the rigorous testing of airport infrastructure and command centers, ensuring that fake and expired passports are rejected while genuine ones are processed smoothly.
He emphasized the e-gates’ role in strengthening airport security and preventing unwanted individuals from entering Nigeria.
The minister observed, “With this extensive infrastructure, we believe that no unwanted persons or persons of interest can find their way into Nigeria. Our security through the Airports and in the Airport domains is guaranteed.
“It is a testimony to what Mr. President told us from day one on his Renewed Hope Agenda. He asked us to change the narratives and make passengers’ movements in and out of the country seamless.”
Tunji-Ojo commended the collaborative efforts of various stakeholders, such as the Federal Airport Authority of Nigeria and the Nigeria Customs Service, for facilitating this transformative initiative, in line with the President’s Renewed Hope Agenda to improve passenger experiences and national security.
“You can see that we have all our team here working in synergy with the authorities of the Federal Airport Authority of Nigeria, the Nigeria Customs Service, and other stakeholders.
“At this point, I must praise the Minister of Aviation, Hon. Festus Keyamo (SAN), and other critical stakeholders who have made this transformation possible,” he said.
Details later…
