The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) has announced plans to introduce a biometric identity verification system, known as V-Pass, to improve passenger processing and strengthen security at domestic airports across the country, Peak Newspaper reports.
FAAN’s Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, Henry Agbebire, disclosed this in a statement, saying the technology was developed in partnership with Verxid Technologies Limited.
He explained that the system would use facial recognition to verify passengers’ identities, reducing dependence on physical identification cards and speeding up movement through airport checkpoints.
According to Agbebire, Nigerian travellers will complete a one-time registration using their National Identification Number (NIN) and facial biometrics, while foreign passengers will enrol with their international passports and biometric authentication.
Identity verification will be carried out before passengers enter restricted areas and again at the boarding gate to prevent impersonation, identity fraud and unauthorised access.
He said the verification process would take less than 30 seconds once passengers are enrolled, with self-service kiosks, electronic gates and FAAN personnel available to assist users. The system is also expected to reduce queues, improve passenger flow and support better operational efficiency for airlines.
FAAN assured travellers that V-Pass complies with the Nigeria Data Protection Regulation and that passengers’ personal information will be securely protected.
The authority also announced plans for a nationwide public awareness campaign and a live demonstration of the platform before its official rollout.
