The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) has unveiled a biometric facial recognition platform that will allow passengers to move through domestic airport checkpoints using digital identity verification, marking another step in the country’s drive to modernise airport operations through technology.
The new platform, known as V-PASS, is expected to replace multiple physical identity checks with a one-time biometric enrolment process, enabling passengers to access airport e-Gates through facial recognition linked to their National Identification Number (NIN).
The initiative underscores Nigeria’s growing investment in aviation digitalisation as airports increasingly adopt biometric technologies to improve operational efficiency, strengthen security and deliver faster passenger processing.
Developed in partnership with Verxid Technologies Limited, the system enables travellers to complete a single registration using their NIN and facial biometrics before using automated verification at participating domestic airports.
FAAN said the platform is designed to reduce dependence on physical travel documents, shorten passenger queues and improve identity verification while supporting contactless airport processing.
The authority said the deployment forms part of an airport modernisation strategy aimed at improving service delivery and aligning Nigeria’s aviation sector with global trends in digital passenger management.
According to FAAN, V-PASS complies with the Nigeria Data Protection Regulation (NDPR), with passengers’ biometric and personal information to be processed and stored in accordance with national data privacy requirements.
The biometric platform was developed by Verxid Technologies Limited, which is responsible for providing the underlying identity verification technology and supporting its implementation across FAAN-managed domestic airports.
The federal government approved the nationwide rollout of the V-PASS programme in April 2026 as part of ongoing aviation reforms focused on strengthening airport security, improving passenger identity management and accelerating the digital transformation of airport operations.
Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, said the biometric initiative is intended to improve transparency, operational efficiency and passenger experience across Nigeria’s domestic airport network.
FAAN said it will launch a nationwide public awareness campaign ahead of the system’s deployment to educate travellers on the enrolment process and encourage early registration before the biometric e-Gates become operational.
The introduction of V-PASS comes as airports globally continue to invest in biometric technologies to reduce congestion, enhance security screening and improve passenger flow. Industry analysts say facial recognition and digital identity platforms are becoming central to airport modernisation as rising passenger traffic increases pressure on airport infrastructure.
