The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) has clarified that passengers are free to record personal selfie videos at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), provided they do not film restricted security areas or other travellers without consent.
The clarification follows an incident involving a passenger who recorded a video inside a restricted security screening zone at the Lagos airport.
In a statement issued on Saturday, FAAN explained that the passenger was filming in an area where signage clearly prohibits recording.
“We understand the concerns raised and appreciate the conversation around this incident. The passenger was recording video within a restricted Security Screening area where signage clearly indicates that filming is not permitted,” the authority stated.
According to FAAN, airport officers politely asked the passenger to stop recording, particularly because other travellers have the right not to be filmed without their consent.
The authority said that when the passenger declined to comply, he was invited to the Crime Investigation & Intelligence Unit office for clarification. FAAN stressed that he was not detained.
The engagement, it said, focused on providing guidance regarding acceptable camera use within the airport environment.
FAAN added that the passenger later acknowledged the issue, deleted the recording, signed a written undertaking and continued his journey without further hindrance.
The authority reassured travellers that personal selfie videos are not banned at MMIA or other Nigerian airports.
“Intervention only occurs when filming involves other passengers without consent or captures sensitive operational or security areas,” FAAN emphasised.
The incident gained attention after a social media user, Nonstop Patrick (@chupatric), alleged that Aviation Security (AVSEC) officers stopped him while he was using a GoPro camera to document his travel experience for his YouTube channel.
He stated online that he was taken to an office and shown a video in his gallery, which he described as personal footage.
FAAN concluded by urging passengers to respect airport regulations designed to safeguard privacy, security and smooth operations.
The authority thanked the public for their understanding and cooperation in maintaining a secure and comfortable travel environment.
