The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) will begin deploying the V-Pass biometric facial recognition system at domestic airports across Nigeria starting in July 2026. This project is developed in collaboration with M/S Verxid Technologies Limited to enhance security and streamline passenger processing for domestic travelers.
Biometric Identification and Verification Process
V-Pass uses biometric facial recognition technology to verify passenger identities, reducing the reliance on physical identification documents at airports. Nigerian passengers will enroll using their National Identification Number (NIN) accompanied by facial biometric capture, while foreign travelers will register using international passports through Optical Character Recognition (OCR) combined with biometric authentication. The system employs
a dual-verification process, authenticating passengers before entrance into restricted areas as well as before boarding, to prevent impersonation and unauthorized access.
Passenger Processing Enhancements
During rollout, passengers can use self-service kiosks or obtain assistance from FAAN staff to complete biometric enrollment. Electronic Gates (E-Gates) will automate access to controlled zones, reducing queues and improving passenger flow at domestic airports. Biometric processing after enrollment takes less than 30 seconds, while first-time registration requires about one minute.
System Benefits for Airlines and FAAN
V-Pass provides airlines with secure digital access to flight schedules, passenger manifests, and boarding statistics through an integrated digital platform. FAAN will manage the system through a Central
Management System that tracks passenger movement, generates analytics, and supports future integration with other airport infrastructures. The system fully complies with Nigeria’s Data Protection Regulation (NDPR), ensuring passenger data privacy by not storing biometric data on kiosks or handheld devices.
Preparatory Measures and Digital Transformation Agenda
Before the full rollout, FAAN and Verxid Technologies Limited will conduct a nationwide sensitisation campaign using television, radio, social media, airport announcements, and airline advisories to educate passengers about V-Pass. A live Proof of Concept demonstration and technical site assessment will also be conducted. This initiative is part of FAAN’s broader digital transformation agenda to build a smarter, safer, and
more efficient domestic airport system.
