The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria, FAAN, has clarified that passengers are permitted to record personal selfie videos at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, but cautioned that filming other travellers without their consent or recording within restricted security areas is prohibited and may prompt official intervention.
The clarification, issued on Saturday, followed an incident in which a passenger was stopped while recording inside a security screening zone marked as a no-filming area.
In a statement, FAAN said it welcomed public engagement on the matter but stressed that the intervention was necessary because the recording took place within a sensitive security section of the airport.
The authority noted that clear signage at such locations expressly forbids video recording.
According to FAAN, airport officials politely asked the passenger to stop filming, explaining that fellow travellers have a right to privacy and that complaints about unauthorised recordings are frequently received.
The situation reportedly escalated when the individual declined to comply with the directive.
The agency explained that the passenger was subsequently invited to the airport’s Crime Investigation and Intelligence Unit for clarification, emphasising that he was not detained.
FAAN said the interaction was strictly advisory, aimed at explaining acceptable camera use within airport premises.
FAAN added that the passenger later acknowledged the breach, deleted the footage, submitted a written undertaking, and was allowed to proceed with his journey.
Reassuring the public, the authority reiterated that personal selfie recordings are allowed within airport terminals.
However, it stressed that intervention becomes necessary when filming captures other passengers without permission or involves operational and security-sensitive areas.
The incident followed claims by social media content creator Nonstop Patrick, also known as @chupatric on X, who alleged that Aviation Security personnel stopped him while he was filming with a GoPro for his YouTube channel.
FAAN urged all airport users to comply with established regulations, noting that the rules are designed to safeguard privacy, ensure security, and support seamless airport operations.
Eze Chidiebere Paul
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