Fed Govt approves deployment of VPASS at domestic airports
The Federal Government has approved the deployment of a contactless biometric passenger verification system, VPASS to domestic airports across the country as part of efforts to boost aviation security, enhance
The Federal Government has approved the deployment of a contactless biometric passenger verification system, VPASS to domestic airports across the country as part of efforts to boost aviation security, enhance data integrity, and improve revenue generation.
The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, disclosed this during the signing of the concession agreement for the initiative.
Keyamo explained that the initiative is designed to eliminate discrepancies in passenger data arising from inconsistent airline records, while also addressing unauthorised boarding practices.
The Minister in a statement by the Director of Press and Public Affairs of the ministry, Chindaya Adamu, said the system will ensure that all passengers on domestic flights are properly identified, thereby closing existing gaps that allow individuals to bypass Standard Identification Procedures.
Keyamo noted that while strict identity verification measures are already in place for international travel, the VPASS system extends similar standards to domestic operations.
He added that the system will subsequently be expanded to cover private aviation, further strengthening security oversight across the sector.
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The Minister while describing the project as a comprehensive reform, emphasised that it will promote transparency, accountability, and safety in Nigeria’s aviation industry.
He also stated that implementation will commence with the concessionaire’s infrastructure deployment, followed by a nationwide sensitisation campaign to ensure public awareness and compliance.
Keyamo commended the Infrastructure Concession Regulatory Commission (ICRC) and the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), for their roles in advancing the initiative.
The Permanent Secretary, of the Ministry, Mahmud Kambari, reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to modernising the aviation sector through innovative, technology-driven solutions aimed at improving operational efficiency, strengthening security, and enhancing passenger experience.
The Director of Commercial and Business Development at FAAN, Mrs. Adebola Agunbiade, described the VPASS system as a strategic step towards eliminating reliance on physical identification at airports.
She noted that the deployment of secure facial recognition technology will enable seamless passenger processing in line with global best practices.
Agunbiade further stated that the initiative aligns with the Federal Government’s broader objective of upgrading aviation infrastructure, adding that FAAN will continue to collaborate with relevant stakeholders and regulatory bodies to ensure effective implementation, sustainability, and scalability of the system.
The Director General of the ICRC, Mr. Johnson Ewalefoh, expressed satisfaction with the ongoing Public-Private Partnership efforts, noting that they are critical to strengthening Nigeria’s infrastructure, improving airport standards, and enhancing national security.
He commended the collaboration among stakeholders and emphasised the need for sustained commitment to accountability, efficiency, and timely project delivery to ensure the success of concession agreements.
The Managing Director of VERXID Technologies Ltd, Mr. Adebayo Bankole, assured that the company will deploy a secure and integrated identity management system across Nigeria’s airports.
Bankole noted that the solution will enhance passenger verification, curb unauthorised movement within airport facilities, and support revenue assurance through accurate data analytics.
