The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) has clarified its position on filming at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), stating that passengers are free to record personal selfie videos but must not film other travellers without consent or capture restricted security areas.
The clarification follows an incident involving a passenger who recorded a video inside a designated security screening zone at the airport. In a statement issued over the weekend, FAAN explained that the area in question is clearly marked with signage prohibiting filming.
According to the authority, airport security personnel politely asked the passenger to stop recording, noting that other travellers have a right to privacy and often raise concerns about being filmed without permission.
When the passenger reportedly declined to comply, he was invited to the Crime Investigation and Intelligence Unit office for further clarification. FAAN stressed that he was not detained and that the engagement focused solely on explaining acceptable camera use within the airport environment.
The passenger later acknowledged the issue, deleted the recording, signed a written undertaking, and was allowed to continue his journey.
FAAN also reiterated that personal selfie recordings are not banned at Nigerian airports. However, intervention becomes necessary when filming involves other passengers without their consent or captures sensitive operational and security locations.
The incident gained attention after social media user Nonstop Patrick (@chupatric) stated online that he was stopped by AVSEC officers while using a GoPro camera to document his travel experience for his YouTube channel.
Reassuring the travelling public, FAAN emphasized that the guidelines are designed to safeguard privacy, safety, and smooth airport operations, while urging passengers to comply with established airport regulations.