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Kuku explained that FAAN has already reduced redundant checks across several airports by coordinating with security agencies and centralizing access to screening data. “We’ve been able to reduce overlapping screening at several airports,” she said. “We are also working toward standardizing the process nationwide.”

BY ANTHONY OMOH

Comptroller General of the Nigeria Customs Service, Mr. Adewale Adeniyi, is considering a major shift in airport operations—reducing officer presence by leveraging technology to ease passenger screening, reduce physical searches, and eliminate perceptions of harassment.

Adeniyi made this known during an inspection of Customs formations at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), Lagos, where he met with the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) to strengthen airport security collaboration efforts.

During the visit, the Customs CG toured all units where officers are stationed and engaged heads of departments on staff deployment levels. He specifically asked if real-time access to surveillance screens would allow officers to operate effectively without crowding checkpoints. A senior Customs officer responded that with monitor access, officers could profile remotely and intervene only when necessary—thus reducing the need for constant physical presence.

“What I’ve seen is that the responsibility for deploying technology isn’t limited to Customs or FAAN alone,” Adeniyi said. “Both agencies have the obligation to deploy technology.

“It has been proven that the deployment and use of technology makes our jobs easier and delivers optimal results. Take automated customs currency declarations, for instance—if we can successfully deploy a system that allows you to declare your forex, even before arriving at the airport, there will no longer be those situations that some see as constituting ‘blockades’ let me use your words. We find technology very helpful, and I believe I am speaking the mind of MD FAAN.” 

Managing Director of FAAN, Mrs. Olubunmi Kuku, welcomed the synergy being enhanced by the CG and reaffirmed FAAN’s commitment to improving facilitation.

Kuku explained that FAAN has already reduced redundant checks across several airports by coordinating with security agencies and centralizing access to screening data.

“We’ve been able to reduce overlapping screening at several airports,” she said. “We are also working toward standardizing the process nationwide.”

To ensure seamless facilitation, FAAN is installing additional surveillance monitors at scanning stations. This allows relevant agencies to carry out screening via remote access in real time without interrupting passenger flow.

“Only when profiling requires it do we refer a passenger for a secondary search by the designated authority,” Kuku explained.

She referenced an earlier agreement with the Nigerian Agricultural Quarantine Services (NAQS), where both agencies committed to ending duplicate checks.

“I recall meeting with their leadership, and they agreed to revert to a streamlined model. We expect full cooperation from all airport stakeholders,” she said.

The renewed focus on reducing officer presence is part of FAAN’s broader reform agenda under the Renewed Hope initiative of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. The agency is transitioning from being revenue-driven to one focused on operational efficiency and enabling trade.

Kuku added that FAAN is continuously retraining its staff and adopting digital tools to modernize airport operations. Recent innovations such as automated e-Gates, cashless platforms, and centralized monitoring systems are already delivering faster processing times and stronger security.

During the visit, Adeniyi emphasized that harmonized security operations must maintain national interest without obstructing facilitation.

“MMIA is a critical national gateway,” he said. “Our operations must align with international best practices in both facilitation and security.”

“Our airports must be safe and easy to use,” said one official. “If passengers feel harassed or delayed, it undermines trust in the aviation system.”

With both Customs and FAAN aligned, travelers can expect more streamlined and respectful security procedures across Nigerian airports.