FAAN to Roll Out Facial Biometric Checks at Airports
The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) is set to transform the domestic air travel experience with the introduction of V-Pass, a facial recognition-based biometric verification system designed to enhance airport security, speed up passenger processing and reduce reliance on physical identification documents.
Developed in partnership with Verxid Technologies Limited, the new platform will enable travellers to verify their identities using facial biometrics at key airport checkpoints, replacing the repeated presentation of identity cards and travel documents.
The initiative forms part of FAAN’s ongoing drive to modernise airport operations through digital innovation while improving safety and passenger convenience.
FAAN’s Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, Henry Agbebire, said the authority recently met with officials of Verxid Technologies to finalise implementation plans, review security protocols and ensure a seamless rollout of the system across airports.
Under the proposed arrangement, Nigerian passengers will complete a one-time enrolment using their National Identification Number (NIN) alongside facial biometric data. International travellers, on the other hand, will register with their passports through Optical Character Recognition (OCR) technology and facial authentication.
After registration, passengers will be required to undergo facial verification before entering restricted airport zones and once again before boarding their flights. FAAN said the dual verification process is aimed at preventing identity fraud, restricting unauthorised access and strengthening confidence in airport security procedures.
To further improve passenger movement, the authority also plans to deploy automated electronic gates (e-Gates) at designated access points. The e-Gates will work alongside self-service kiosks, while FAAN personnel will remain available to assist travellers during the transition to the new system.
Speaking on the project, FAAN’s Director of Commercial and Business Development, Adebola Agunbiade, said the V-Pass initiative reflects the agency’s commitment to adopting smart technologies that simplify travel while maintaining high security standards.
The biometric verification platform is expected to play a key role in the Federal Government’s broader aviation modernisation agenda, which seeks to improve operational efficiency, strengthen security infrastructure and deliver a faster, more seamless airport experience for passengers across Nigeria.
