• The Federal Government has approved VPASS, a biometric passenger verification system for domestic airports in Nigeria
• The system will use contactless biometric technology to improve passenger identification and security
• VPASS aims to eliminate loopholes in current verification processes often exploited within the aviation system, reduce identity fraud, and prevent unauthorised boarding

The Federal Government has approved the introduction of a biometric passenger identity verification system, VPASS, across domestic airports in Nigeria as part of efforts to strengthen aviation security and streamline passenger identification.

This was disclosed by the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, in a statement released on Thursday, April 9, by his spokesperson.

The move forms part of ongoing reforms aimed at improving transparency, accountability, and operational efficiency in the aviation sector, while closing existing gaps in passenger verification.

According to the minister, VPASS will deploy a contactless biometric verification process to properly identify all passengers, eliminating loopholes that are often exploited within the current system.

“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 improve revenue generation.”

Keyamo explained that while strict identity verification protocols are already in place for international travel, VPASS will extend similar standards to domestic flights.

He added that the system will eventually be expanded to cover private aviation operations.

Implementation will begin with infrastructure deployment by VERXID Technologies Limited, followed by a nationwide sensitisation campaign to ensure smooth adoption and compliance.

The minister also commended key stakeholders, including the Infrastructure Concession Regulatory Commission (ICRC) and the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), for supporting the project under a public-private partnership framework.

Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Mahmud Adamu Kambari, noted that the initiative reflects the government’s commitment to modernising the aviation sector through technology-driven solutions.

Similarly, FAAN’s Director of Commercial and Business Development, Adebola Agunbiade, described VPASS as a strategic shift away from physical identification processes, stating that facial recognition technology will enable faster and more seamless passenger processing in line with global standards.

Director General of ICRC, Johnson Oseodion Ewalefoh, stressed the importance of accountability and efficiency in executing infrastructure projects through public-private partnerships.

Meanwhile, the Managing Director of VERXID Technologies Limited, Adebayo Bankole, stated that the system will help curb unauthorised passenger movement and boost revenue assurance through accurate data analytics.

Stakeholders emphasised that collaboration and strict adherence to timelines will be crucial to the successful rollout and scalability of the system nationwide.

The VPASS rollout marks a significant shift in how passenger identity is managed within Nigeria’s domestic aviation space.

It is expected to address long-standing inefficiencies and security vulnerabilities linked to manual verification processes.

The system will also help eliminate identity fraud and cases of unauthorised boarding, while improving revenue tracking for airlines and airport authorities through reliable passenger data.

Additionally, the adoption of biometric technology is expected to align Nigeria’s aviation sector with global best practices, reduce human interference, and minimise corruption and operational bottlenecks at airports.

This development builds on earlier government efforts to modernise airport operations.

In 2024, plans were announced to deploy electronic gates (e-gates) across international airports to enhance security and speed up passenger processing.

The Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, had stated that the e-gates would allow passengers to complete immigration clearance in under 30 seconds, provided their documentation is in order.

As of June 2024, eight e-gates had been installed at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja.

At the Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos, 21 e-gates were planned due to higher passenger traffic, with some already operational.

The government also proposed deploying four e-gates each at international airports in Kano, Enugu, and Port Harcourt, targeting a total of 41 e-gates across five airports.

However, full nationwide deployment had not yet been confirmed at the time of this report.

FAAN bans cash transactions at airports, goes digital February 28

Meanwhile, TheRadar earlier reported that the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) had announced a ban on cash transactions for all services at airports nationwide, with the directive set to take effect from February 28, 2026.

According to a statement by FAAN’s Director of Public Relations and Consumer Protection, Mr. Henry Agbebire, the clarification became necessary after executives of various aviation unions visited FAAN management to seek further explanations regarding the planned cessation of cash transactions at airports.

The initiative is aimed at enhancing transparency, accountability, operational efficiency, and revenue assurance within Nigeria’s airport system.