The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) will initiate the deployment of the V-Pass biometric facial recognition system across Nigerian domestic airports starting July 2026. Developed in partnership with Verxid Technologies Limited, the system aims to improve security and streamline passenger processing on domestic flights.
Biometric Enrolment and Verification Process
Nigerian passengers will enrol in the V-Pass system through a one-time registration using their National Identification Number (NIN) combined with facial biometric capture. Foreign passengers travelling domestically will register using their international passports via optical character recognition (OCR) technology with biometric authentication. After enrolment, biometric verification will take under 30 seconds, while initial registration is
expected to take about one minute. Passengers undergo a dual-verification process, being checked before accessing restricted airport areas and again prior to boarding.
Security Enhancements and Access Control
The dual-verification mechanism is designed to prevent impersonation, unauthorized access, and identity fraud. The V-Pass system integrates with electronic gates (E-Gates) to automate access to controlled zones within airports. This integration aims to reduce queues and improve passenger flow through secure checkpoints, providing security agencies with verified passenger identities to enhance confidence in authentication.
Operational Features and Data Privacy Compliance
Passengers will use self-service kiosks for enrolment and verification, with FAAN staff available to assist during the rollout phase. Airlines will gain secure
access to flight schedules, passenger manifests, and boarding data through a digital platform. FAAN will operate a Central Management System to monitor passenger movements, generate analytics, and facilitate future integration with other airport systems. Importantly, V-Pass complies with the Nigeria Data Protection Regulation (NDPR), ensuring that passenger biometric data is not stored on kiosks or handheld devices to protect privacy.
Sensitization and Implementation Timeline
A nationwide campaign will precede V-Pass deployment to familiarize passengers with the new system. The campaign will utilize television, radio, social media, airport announcements, and advisories from airlines. Additionally, a live Proof of Concept demonstration and technical site assessments will
be conducted prior to full implementation. The initiative aligns with FAAN’s broader digital transformation agenda aimed at establishing more secure and efficient domestic airport operations.
