The Federal Government is deploying a biometric passenger verification system to address identity gaps in Nigeria’s domestic aviation sector and align local travel protocols with international standards.
The initiative, known as the Verified Passenger System (VPASS), was introduced by Festus Keyamo, Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, during the signing of a concession agreement in Abuja.
According to the Minister, the system is designed to strengthen identity verification processes for domestic flights.
“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 says.
“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 says.
He adds that the initiative will address discrepancies in passenger data arising from inconsistent airline records, as well as unauthorised boarding practices. While similar verification measures already apply to international travel, VPASS extends such standards to domestic operations.
From manual checks to biometric passenger verification
The rollout introduces a shift from physical identity checks to a biometric system powered by facial recognition technology.
Adebola Agunbiade, Director of Commercial and Business Development at the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), says the system is expected to reduce reliance on physical identification at airports.
She notes that the deployment of secure facial recognition technology will support passenger processing in line with global practices, while improving accuracy in identity verification.
Under the plan, the VPASS rollout is being implemented through a concession arrangement.
Johnson Ewalefoh, Director-General of the Infrastructure Concession Regulatory Commission, says public-private partnerships remain critical to infrastructure development and service improvement across Nigeria’s aviation sector.
He adds that collaboration among stakeholders will be essential to ensure effective delivery of concession agreements.
Technology platform and data management
The system will be deployed by VERXID Technologies Limited, which is responsible for delivering an integrated identity management platform across airports.
Adebayo Bankole, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the company, says the solution is expected to enhance passenger verification, address unauthorised access within airport facilities, and support data accuracy.
The VPASS initiative introduces a new framework for identity management in domestic aviation. By extending structured verification processes to local travel, the system is expected to support improved passenger identification and operational oversight across airports.
The rollout will require coordination among airlines, airport authorities and relevant government agencies as implementation progresses.
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