Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, conducted a test run of the electronic gates (e-gates) installed at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja on Friday, announcing that the project is nearly complete, with operations set to commence next week.
Accompanied by top officials including the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Dr. Aishetu Ndayako, and the Comptroller-General of Immigration, Kemi Nanna Nandap, Tunji-Ojo emphasized the e-gates’ role in eliminating human interfaces, streamlining processes, and enhancing security measures.
According to the Minister, the deployment of 29 e-gates in Lagos, four in Enugu and Kano each, and five in Port-Harcourt aims to facilitate seamless movement of passengers while bolstering security protocols at airports across the country.
Tunji-Ojo highlighted the rigorous testing undergone by the airport infrastructure and Command and Control Centres, which effectively identified and rejected fake or expired passports while clearing genuine ones.
He underscored the significance of the e-gates in upholding national security, affirming that the infrastructure aligns with President’s Renewed Hope Agenda to transform passenger movements and enhance security measures.
The Minister commended the collaborative efforts of various stakeholders, including the Minister of Aviation, Hon. Festus Keyamo (SAN), the Federal Airport Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), and the Nigeria Customs Service, in achieving this milestone.
The successful implementation of the e-gates reflects a concerted effort towards modernizing airport operations, ensuring efficiency, and safeguarding national security in line with the government’s strategic objectives.
