Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, on Friday unveiled the newly refurbished E-Arrival Wing at Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA) in Lagos, which is a collaborative effort with Nigeria Immigration Service partners.
The upgraded hall aims to streamline the arrival process, providing a smoother experience for passengers, especially the elderly and those with mobility challenges.
The E-Arrival Wing boasts 32 counters, cultural displays representing various tribes, and inscriptions of Nigerian greetings on its walls.
Tunji-Ojo highlighted its capacity to eliminate delays caused by long queues during verification and capturing.
Anticipating the introduction of E-gates by February next year, he emphasized the end of the traditional passenger-immigration officer interface on arrival.
He said: “Once you are a Nigerian and you are coming into your country, you have no business with an immigration officer unless you are a person of interest, there are security concerns.”
The Comptroller General, Nigeria Immigration Service, Mrs. Wuraola Adejopu, praised the partners for their support, predicting that the transformation would elevate Nigeria’s international standing.
“There is hope for this nation in line with the President Renewed Hope agenda, there is hope for this country with the round pegs in the right holes, we can achieve, there is no impossibility,” she said.
The Managing Director, Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria, Mr. Kabir Mohammed, represented by the Director, Operations, Captain Muktar Muye emphasised MMIA’s role as a gateway to Nigeria and a hub for sub-Saharan Africa.
He emphasised that, with these renovations every traveller will experience the warmth, efficiency, and spirit of excellence that the country embodies.
“This project today, let us remember that it is not just about the ambience/beauty, but about the people who will use them. It is about the travellers who will pass through our gates, the staff who will work within these walls, and the countless individuals who will benefit from the increased connectivity,” he said.
Also speaking, the Lagos State Governor Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, represented by Commissioner, Special Duties, Mr. Gbenga Oyerinde, hailed the project as a symbol of commitment to a seamless passenger journey, enhancing Nigeria’s reputation as a welcoming destination.
“Is indeed a major accomplishments that would significantly improve the status of this airport”.
The project’s facilitators expressed pride in contributing to the country’s positive image and ensuring international passengers’ comfort.
Comptroller Immigration MMIA, Mrs. Adeola Adesokan, noted that the new facilities would complement the upcoming E-gate initiative.
