FG rolls out biometric passenger checks to enhance security

The federal government has approved the deployment of a contactless biometric passenger verification system, known as VPASS, across Nigeria’s domestic airports as part of efforts to strengthen aviation security, enhance data integrity, and boost revenue generation in the sector.

Festus Keyamo, Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, disclosed this on Thursday in Abuja during the signing of the concession agreement for the project.

According to a statement signed by Chindaya Ahmadu Audu Adamu, the Director of Press and Public Affairs in the ministry, the VPASS initiative is designed to eliminate discrepancies in passenger data caused by inconsistent airline records, while also addressing cases of unauthorised boarding.

Keyamo explained that the system would ensure proper identification of all passengers on domestic flights, effectively closing existing gaps that allow individuals to bypass standard identification procedures.

He noted that while stringent identity verification protocols are already in place for international travel, the VPASS system would extend similar standards to domestic operations, with plans underway to expand coverage to private aviation.

Describing the project as a comprehensive reform, the minister said it would promote transparency, accountability, and safety across Nigeria’s aviation industry. He added that implementation would commence with infrastructure deployment by the concessionaire, followed by a nationwide sensitisation campaign to drive public awareness and compliance.

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Keyamo also commended key stakeholders, particularly the Infrastructure Concession Regulatory Commission and the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria, for their roles in advancing the initiative.

In his remarks, Mahmud Adamu Kambari, Permanent Secretary of the ministry, reaffirmed the government’s commitment to modernising the aviation sector through innovative, technology-driven solutions aimed at improving operational efficiency, strengthening security, and enhancing passenger experience.

Earlier, Adebola Agunbiade, director of Commercial and Business Development at the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria, described VPASS as a strategic step towards eliminating reliance on physical identification at airports. She noted that the deployment of secure facial recognition technology would enable seamless passenger processing in line with global best practices.

Agunbiade added that the initiative aligns with the Federal Government’s broader objective of upgrading aviation infrastructure, stressing that FAAN would continue to collaborate with relevant stakeholders and regulatory bodies to ensure effective implementation, sustainability, and scalability.

Adebayo Bankole, managing director/chief executive officer of VERXID Technologies Limited, assured that the company would deploy a secure and integrated identity management system across the country’s airports.

Bankole said the solution would enhance passenger verification, curb unauthorised movement within airport facilities, and support revenue assurance through accurate data analytics.