The Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, on Friday, led a test run of the newly installed electronic gates (e-gates) at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja, affirming that the project was almost completed.

Tunji-Ojo announced plans to deploy the e-gates for full operation by the following week.

Joining him were top officials including the Ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Aishetu Ndayako, and the Comptroller-General of Immigration, Kemi Nanna Nandap.

The minister emphasised that the e-gates aimed to streamline passenger movement, eliminating human interfaces and bureaucratic hurdles.

Deployment plans include 29 e-gates for Lagos, four for Enugu and Kano each, and five for Port Harcourt. Tunji-Ojo highlighted rigorous testing of airport infrastructure and command centres, ensuring fake and expired passports are rejected while genuine ones are processed seamlessly.

He underscored the e-gates’ role in bolstering airport security and preventing unwanted individuals from entering Nigeria.

The minister noted, “With this massive infrastructure, we believe that no unwanted persons or persons of interest can find their way into Nigeria. Our security through the Airports and in the Airport domains is guaranteed.

“It is a testimony to what Mr. President told us from day one on his Renewed Hope Agenda. He asked us to change the narratives and make passengers’ movements in and out of the country seamless.”

Tunji-Ojo praised the collaborative efforts of various stakeholders, including the Federal Airport Authority of Nigeria and the Nigeria Customs Service for facilitating this transformative initiative, aligning with the President’s Renewed Hope Agenda to enhance passenger experiences and national security.

“You can see that we have all our team here working in synergy with the authorities of the Federal Airport Authority of Nigeria, the Nigeria Customs Service, and other stakeholders.

“I must, at this point, commend the Minister of Aviation, Hon. Festus Keyamo (SAN), and other critical stakeholders who have made this transformation possible,” he said. (The PUNCH)

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