In a significant move to curb touting, extortion, and unnecessary delays for air travellers, the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) has begun phasing out manual luggage inspections at airports by introducing sophisticated screening machines. This reform is aimed at improving the passenger experience, reducing human interference, and strengthening security at key entry and exit points, particularly at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos.

The initiative follows numerous complaints from passengers and industry stakeholders over the years, citing delays, overlapping responsibilities, and the exploitation of travellers at customs checkpoints. By transitioning from manual to automated luggage screening, FAAN aims to establish a more efficient, transparent, and tamper-proof security process.

A Long-Standing Problem Now Addressed

Air travellers in Nigeria have long expressed frustration about the cumbersome process of multiple luggage checks, especially at customs checkpoints within international terminals. Many described the experience as not only time-consuming but also riddled with opportunities for unofficial financial demands.

In some instances, travellers alleged being pressured to “settle” customs officials in order to pass through inspection points without delays. These allegations intensified scrutiny on airport operations and contributed to growing calls for reforms to tackle the menace of extortion and disorganised screening protocols.

Even aviation stakeholders have criticized the outdated customs checkpoint system, pointing out that it was redundant in an age of modern airport security technology. The criticisms escalated into tension in early 2025, when FAAN security operatives and customs officials engaged in a standoff over operational boundaries at the Lagos International Airport.

This conflict further fueled unrest among airport workers, who threatened to embark on a nationwide strike to protest what they described as persistent breaches of protocol and overlapping responsibilities. The strike was slated for March 31, 2025, before de-escalation efforts took hold.

Technological Upgrade: Orion 927DX and More

In response to the widespread criticism, FAAN initiated a transformative upgrade by investing in cutting-edge security screening equipment. The newly introduced machines include six units of the Orion 927DX X-ray scanner, full-body scanners, and advanced itemizers designed for real-time detection of threats. These systems are currently being deployed at various checkpoints within the Lagos International Airport.

The Orion 927DX scanners are equipped with advanced imaging capabilities that produce high-definition displays using both the standard 4-color and the proprietary Spectrum 4-color modes. This enhanced visual clarity allows security personnel to detect concealed items more accurately and quickly, reducing the likelihood of human error.

According to FAAN’s Director of Aviation Security, Igbafe Afegbai, these scanners are capable of detecting a wide spectrum of threats, including explosives and narcotics. He explained that once installation is completed, each security agency will be assigned individual monitors, allowing their officers to view luggage content remotely and independently. This innovation will make traditional tables used for physical checks obsolete.

A Shift to Contact-Free Screening

As part of the overhaul, FAAN is dismantling the traditional customs tables used for on-the-spot luggage inspections. Afegbai assured that these manual checkpoints will be removed within a week, signalling a full transition to a contact-free, machine-assisted screening process.

He emphasised that the new system would not only speed up passenger movement but also eliminate opportunities for extortion, as every flagged item will be addressed in designated examination areas equipped with closed-circuit television (CCTV) surveillance. This ensures full transparency during any necessary physical checks.

“When the machines detect any prohibited items or suspicious contents, designated agencies such as the Nigeria Customs Service, the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), and others will be immediately notified to follow up,” Afegbai stated. “These agencies will then escort the passenger to a secure, monitored space for further inspection.”

He further revealed that each of the six government agencies stationed at the airport—Customs, NDLEA, Immigration, DSS, Port Health, and Quarantine—will have their own dedicated monitors linked to the scanning machines. This decentralized monitoring model is intended to streamline workflows, prevent clashes over jurisdiction, and reduce passenger inconvenience.

Capacity Building for Security Agencies

As part of the new direction, FAAN plans to organize technical training sessions for personnel from all relevant agencies. The new equipment includes features that require operator familiarity to function at full capacity.

“Before acquiring these new systems, our previous machines were not always effective in detecting certain types of drugs or contraband. But with the upgraded technology, we are now capable of picking up even the most concealed items,” Afegbai explained.

The training will cover how to interpret scan images, understand color-coded threat indicators, and operate the systems in both range and interactive modes. These features help identify organic substances, weapons, and suspicious packaging patterns by highlighting specific areas based on pixel values or set detection ranges.

An Enhanced Passenger Experience

Beyond improving security, this automation is designed to enhance the traveller experience. Reduced waiting times, fewer invasive searches, and increased confidence in airport procedures are expected to elevate Nigeria’s reputation in international aviation.

Chima Oge, the head of ICT at the airport, echoed this sentiment. He explained that the Orion 927DX is particularly adept at identifying organic threats and synthetic drugs—capabilities that will drastically improve Nigeria’s fight against drug trafficking and illegal imports.

“The interactive mode allows security officers to manipulate scan images in real-time, providing a more accurate and intelligent response to suspicious content,” Oge said. “This marks a significant step toward world-class airport operations.”

Aligning with Global Standards

The integration of advanced scanning technologies also brings Nigeria in line with global best practices for airport security. Many countries have already adopted automated screening systems to enhance border control, and FAAN’s initiative positions Nigeria to meet International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) standards.

In doing so, the country not only strengthens its internal security framework but also enhances its ability to facilitate international travel and cargo movement without compromising safety.

What to Expect Going Forward

As FAAN continues its installation of the Orion 927DX and associated systems, passengers can expect a completely different experience at Lagos International Airport in the coming months. The notorious customs tables will soon become a thing of the past, replaced by transparent, efficient systems that put technology at the center of airport security.

The next phase will involve rolling out these machines across other major airports in Nigeria, beginning with Abuja and Port Harcourt, as FAAN seeks to standardize procedures nationwide.

The successful execution of this upgrade could mark the beginning of a new chapter for Nigerian aviation, one where transparency, speed, and safety go hand-in-hand.