The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) will begin deploying the V-Pass biometric identity verification system at domestic airports across Nigeria starting July 2026. Developed with M/S Verxid Technologies Limited, V-Pass employs facial recognition technology to allow passengers to verify identities digitally, reducing dependence on physical identification documents.
Enrolment Procedures for Nigerian and Foreign Passengers
Nigerian travellers must complete a one-time enrolment by providing their National Identification Number (NIN) along with facial biometric data capture. Foreign passengers will register using their international passports, leveraging optical character recognition (OCR) combined with biometric authentication. This enrolment creates a secure digital identity unique to each passenger.
Operational Features and Verification Process
Passengers will undergo dual
biometric verification with V-Pass: initially before entering restricted airport areas and again prior to boarding flights. The system offers self-service kiosks and on-site assistance from FAAN staff during rollout periods. Automated electronic gates (E-Gates) will facilitate controlled area access, contributing to reduced queues and smoother passenger flows. Biometric verification after enrolment takes under 30 seconds, while initial registration requires approximately one minute per passenger.
Data Management, Compliance, and Security Objectives
V-Pass integrates a Central Management System enabling FAAN to monitor passenger movements, generate operational analytics, and support future airport system integrations. The digital platform also provides airlines secure access to real-time flight schedules, passenger manifests, and
boarding statistics. Passenger data is protected under the Nigeria Data Protection Regulation (NDPR), with no storage of sensitive information on kiosks or mobile devices. The system aims to prevent identity fraud, impersonation, and unauthorized access, enhancing security agency confidence in passenger authentication.
Communication and Implementation Strategy
Prior to full deployment, FAAN and Verxid Technologies will conduct a nationwide sensitisation campaign through television, radio, social media, airport announcements, and advisories from airlines. This campaign will familiarize passengers with the V-Pass system. A live Proof of Concept demonstration and technical site assessment will precede the rollout. V-Pass forms part of FAAN’s wider digital transformation initiative to
adopt advanced technologies that support a smarter, safer, and more efficient domestic airport network in Nigeria.
