The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) has introduced biometric access control and vehicle tracking at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA) cargo terminal in Lagos. This move aims to tighten access and documentation, reducing congestion and unauthorised access while improving safety and security. The new measures will be implemented in phases, with the first phase focusing on deploying Automatic Number Plate Recognition cameras and boom barriers.
The Directorate of Cargo Development and Services, led by Director Mr Lekan Thomas, recently engaged key government agencies operating at the terminal to sensitise them to the new access control measures. These agencies include the Nigeria Customs Service, NDLEA, NAFDAC, Nigeria Agricultural Quarantine Service, Police EOD, DSS, Standards Organisation of Nigeria, and the Federal Produce Inspection Services. The agencies were informed about the requirements for registration and documentation.
Under the new system, only registered, verified, and authorised persons, businesses, and vehicles will be allowed into designated areas of the terminal. The FAAN’s Integrated Cargo Stakeholder Registry will serve as the main reference for verifying cargo operators. Additionally, biometric identification, facial recognition, fingerprint verification, and electronic access records will be introduced to enhance security and accountability.
The first phase of implementation will also include the deployment of CCTV cameras to support monitoring and investigation. An X-ray scanner for baggage and parcels is expected to strengthen security screening. These measures are not intended to restrict legitimate cargo operations but to eliminate unauthorised access and reduce unnecessary human and vehicular movement.
FAAN has called on all stakeholders to complete the required registration and documentation ahead of full enforcement. The directorate urged continued cooperation among government agencies operating at the terminal. The new measures are expected to improve accountability and enhance the overall efficiency of cargo operations at the MMIA.
The introduction of biometric access control and vehicle tracking is part of FAAN’s efforts to modernise and secure Nigeria’s airports. The measures will help to reduce congestion and unauthorised access, improving the overall safety and security of the terminal. The implementation of these measures is expected to be completed in phases.
The cargo terminal at MMIA is a critical component of Nigeria’s aviation infrastructure, handling a significant volume of cargo and passengers. The introduction of biometric access control and vehicle tracking is expected to have a positive impact on the efficiency and security of cargo operations, contributing to the growth of Nigeria’s economy.
Key points
- The introduction of biometric access control and vehicle tracking at MMIA cargo terminal aims to reduce congestion and unauthorised access.
- The new measures will improve safety and security at the terminal.
- The implementation of these measures is expected to be completed in phases.
