Travelers at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja have commended the Federal Government for reducing delays and improving the travel process with the newly installed e-gates.
Journalists who monitored the use of the e-gates during international departures found that travelers could easily pass through the two e-gates with their boarding passes in hand.
One passenger, Michael Simon, told Journalists, “The process was incredibly smooth and efficient. The system made everything quicker and it was done in the blink of an eye.”
“It’s a big improvement and enhances the whole travel experience. If you have to board a plane, it’s not like before when you have to take out your passport and go through a long process.”
Another passenger, Temitayo, also admired the new system, saying, “The e-gates at Nnamdi Azikiwe Airport are working perfectly today! I checked in through security in no time. It is such a relief to see things running smoothly.”
Another Passenger, David George highlighted the benefits of the new e-gates, saying, “For me, the process is quick and efficient, without any unnecessary delays. The best part is that there were no threats or other shady behaviour. Everything looks professional. Now, at least, I no longer have to open my passport before entering the country. So this is a big step forward for the airport and it has made my travel experience a very pleasant one.”
The Federal Government said the decision to install electronic gates at all international airports in the country will help prevent undesirable persons and associates from entering Nigeria.
Tunji Ojo said the gates will eliminate the inconvenience associated with formalities at the arrival hall, and incoming travelers will only have to spend a few seconds at the gates.
An airport official explained the process to Journalists. He said, “You take your boarding pass at the electronic gates, hold it up and it will be scanned. It opens and you can go in. Once you’re inside it closes again – the employees who work here can’t get through. So the employees who have to look after passengers have to go through the electronic gate to get in.”
Another airport official added, “Passengers will bring their boarding passes so the gates will open automatically – instead of using their passports like before. This makes it easy and fast to work with us. There is absolutely no blackmail since there is no personal contact with employees.”
