Despite AI Scanner Investment, Manual Checks Persist at Lagos Airport

Concerns are mounting over the continued use of manual baggage checks at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport despite the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria’s (FAAN) earlier promise of a major digital transformation driven by advanced AI-powered security technology.

Last year, the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria announced the deployment of high-tech artificial intelligence security scanners at the airport as part of efforts to modernize passenger processing, strengthen aviation security, improve operational efficiency, and eliminate direct human contact during baggage inspections.

The initiative was widely viewed as a significant step toward aligning Nigeria’s aviation sector with international airport security and automation standards. The AI-powered scanners were expected to reduce delays, minimize physical interference with passengers’ luggage, improve transparency, and curb opportunities for extortion and unofficial payments often associated with manual screening procedures.

However, despite the substantial investment in modern scanning technology, passengers and industry observers say manual inspection tables remain actively in use at the airport, raising concerns about operational inefficiency and alleged abuse within the system.

Critics argue that the persistence of manual checks alongside advanced screening equipment undermines the purpose of the technology upgrade and creates opportunities for corrupt practices by some airport officials. Many travelers have continued to report experiences involving unnecessary luggage searches, repeated inspections, and unofficial demands during airport clearance procedures.

The situation has sparked fresh debate about accountability, institutional reform, and the implementation of technology-driven governance within Nigeria’s public infrastructure systems.

Aviation stakeholders note that digital transformation in airport operations goes beyond equipment acquisition and requires comprehensive institutional reforms, staff retraining, operational discipline, and strict enforcement of transparent procedures.

Industry experts warn that inconsistent application of automated systems could negatively affect passenger experience, international perception, and investor confidence in Nigeria’s aviation sector, especially as the country seeks to position itself as a regional aviation and logistics hub.

The continued reliance on manual checks may also weaken the efficiency gains expected from the AI security infrastructure, including faster passenger processing, reduced congestion, enhanced threat detection, and improved compliance with global aviation security protocols.

Observers have therefore called on aviation authorities to ensure that the modern security systems are fully integrated into airport operations and that any practices undermining transparency and efficiency are addressed decisively.

The development additionally highlights broader governance challenges surrounding public sector technology investments in Nigeria, where concerns are sometimes raised about implementation gaps between policy announcements and operational realities.

As passenger traffic continues to grow at Nigeria’s busiest international gateway, stakeholders maintain that efficient, technology-driven airport management will be essential for improving service delivery, enhancing national reputation, supporting tourism, and attracting greater international business activity.