FAAN explains limits on passenger filming at Lagos airport

The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN)  has explained that travellers are free to take personal selfie videos at Murtala Muhammed International Airport, but warned that filming other passengers without consent or recording in sensitive security zones will attract intervention.

The agency issued the clarification on Saturday after a passenger was stopped for recording inside a restricted screening section of the airport.

In a statement, FAAN said, “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.”

It added that airport personnel “politely advised the passenger to stop, especially as other travellers have the right not to be recorded without consent and such complaints are frequently raised.”

According to the authority, the situation escalated when the traveller declined to comply. He was subsequently “invited to the Crime Investigation & Intelligence Unit office for further clarification, not detained, and the interaction focused on guidance around acceptable camera use within the airport environment.”

FAAN said the passenger later “acknowledged the issue, deleted the recording, provided a written undertaking, and continued his journey.”

Reassuring airport users, the authority stressed that “personal selfie videos are not restricted. Intervention only occurs when filming involves other passengers without consent or captures sensitive operational or security areas.”

The development followed a complaint by social media content creator Nonstop Patrick, known on X as @chupatric, who claimed Aviation Security officers stopped him while he was filming with a GoPro for his YouTube channel.

FAAN urged travellers to respect airport regulations, noting that the “measures are in place to protect privacy, safety, and smooth airport operations.”