The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) has launched a new biometric verification platform aimed at transforming the experience of passengers travelling on domestic routes.
The system, known as V-Pass, would allow travellers to confirm their identities through facial recognition technology, reducing dependence on physical documents during airport processes.
FAAN said the initiative was developed in partnership with Verxid Technologies Limited as part of efforts to improve security, speed up passenger processing and modernise airport operations across the country.
Under the new arrangement, Nigerian travellers would complete a one-time registration using their National Identification Number (NIN) and facial biometric details, while foreign passengers will enrol with their international passports and biometric information.
After registration, passengers would receive a secure digital identity that would be used for verification before accessing restricted airport areas and again before boarding flights.
FAAN explained that the double-check system is designed to prevent identity fraud, impersonation and unauthorised airport access while giving security agencies stronger tools for passenger monitoring.
It added that passengers would be able to register through self-service kiosks or with assistance from airport officials.
Electronic gates would also be introduced to reduce queues and improve movement within terminals.
According to FAAN, biometric verification after enrolment will take less than 30 seconds, while first-time registration is expected to last about one minute.
The platform would also provide airlines with digital access to important flight information, including passenger records, schedules and boarding statistics, while a central management system will help track passenger movement and generate operational data.
FAAN assured travellers that privacy protection remained a major priority, noting that the system complies with the Nigeria Data Protection Regulation (NDPR). Passenger information, it said, will not be stored on kiosks or handheld devices.
Before nationwide implementation, FAAN and Verxid Technologies will conduct public awareness campaigns through television, radio, social media, airport announcements and airline communication channels.
A technical demonstration and assessment will also take place ahead of the full deployment of the system.
FAAN said V-Pass represents a major step in its digital transformation programme, with the goal of creating safer, smarter and more efficient airports for domestic passengers.
