Conducting a trial of the newly introduced electronic gates (e-gates) at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja, the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, indicated that the project was nearing completion.
Plans revealed by Tunji-Ojo include the full deployment of the e-gates by the upcoming week.
In attendance were high-ranking officials, such as the Ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Aishetu Ndayako, and the Comptroller-General of Immigration, Kemi Nanna Nandap.
The minister stressed the e-gates’ objective to enhance passenger flow by eliminating unnecessary human interactions and bureaucratic complexities.
The deployment strategy includes 29 e-gates for Lagos, four each for Enugu and Kano, and five for Port Harcourt. Tunji-Ojo highlighted the stringent testing of airport infrastructure and control centers to ensure the rejection of counterfeit and outdated passports while swiftly processing valid ones.
He emphasized the pivotal role of the e-gates in fortifying airport security and preventing unauthorized individuals from entering Nigeria.
The minister remarked, “With this extensive infrastructure, we are confident that unauthorized persons or persons of interest will be unable to gain entry into Nigeria. Our airport security is safeguarded.”
“It attests to what President Buhari outlined at the inception of his Renewed Hope Agenda. He urged us to alter the narrative and make the transit of passengers in and out of the country seamless.”
Tunji-Ojo commended the cooperative endeavors of multiple stakeholders, including the Federal Airport Authority of Nigeria and Nigeria Customs Service, in advancing this transformative initiative in harmony with the President’s Renewed Hope Agenda to elevate passenger experiences and national security.
“As you can witness, our unified team, in collaboration with the authorities of the Federal Airport Authority of Nigeria, Nigeria Customs Service, and other stakeholders, is working diligently.
“At this juncture, I must applaud the Minister of Aviation, Hon. Festus Keyamo (SAN), and other essential stakeholders who have enabled this metamorphosis,” he remarked.
Further details to follow…