The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) plans to deploy artificial intelligence (AI) systems to control airport access. The move is part of the government’s effort to boost security at the nation’s airports.
According to FAAN Director of Security Services, Afegbai Igbafe, the equipment will further tighten airport security by identifying potential criminals and enabling law enforcement to neutralize them on time. He admitted that security is one of the authority’s major concerns.
FAAN considers AI systems for tighter airport security
The reports disclosed that the plan to use AI for airport security is still in the proposal consideration stage and involves the minister of aviation and aerospace development, Festus Keyamo. Thus, the FAAN is currently evaluating multiple proposals and has not made a final decision.
Although there is no official information on what the AI system would entail, the director said the security system would be one that can monitor movements in and around the airports and quickly alert authorities to potential dangers.
He said:
“We are going to do the access control, and the access control will work with an Artificial Intelligence system. Whereby when somebody is coming into the airport, there is a way the camera can affixed to you. If you have any weapons with you, if you have anything that is with you, the AI will detect it and immediately send a signal to the command center.”
The decision to deploy AI follows the recent security audit of Nigerian airports by the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO). The ICAO identified several concerns, which Igbafe also acknowledged. He noted that unauthorized access is the biggest challenge, and this happens due to damage to airport fences and a lack of deterrent measures against offenders.
Interest in AI use cases is growing in Nigeria
Meanwhile, the move represents another instance of a government agency in Nigeria tapping AI to address challenges within its operations. In February, the Nigerian Directorate of Road Transport Service (DTRS) said it will use AI tools to address road traffic concerns in Abuja.
The Nigerian government has been particularly keen on AI and its potential uses. Earlier this year, authorities organized a National Artificial Intelligence Strategy Workshop. Since then, it has made other moves, including launching an AI training initiative, relaunching a national center for AI and Robotics, and even tapping a local startup to develop a large language model (LLM).
Interest in AI also extends to the country’s residents. A recent report from Google shows that more people than ever search for AI-related topics. Search related to AI increased by 130% year-on-year, and the country now ranks 6th in AI-related searches in Africa and 25th in the world.
However, there are concerns about whether the country can truly tap the potential of artificial intelligence. Some experts note that the country’s infrastructure deficit could make it difficult for residents to optimally enjoy the benefits of the emerging technology.
