Nigeria Launches VPASS Biometric System for Airports

The Federal Government of Nigeria has approved the deployment of a contactless biometric passenger verification system known as VPASS across the country’s domestic airports. Announced by the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, on Thursday, the initiative aims to strengthen aviation security, enhance data integrity, and improve revenue.

The VPASS system is designed to address data inconsistencies and unauthorized practices in the aviation sector, ensuring proper identification of passengers and closing gaps that allow individuals to bypass standard identification procedures. Keyamo noted that strict verification measures are already in place for international travel, and the VPASS system will extend similar standards to domestic operations.

The project is part of a comprehensive reform of the aviation industry, promoting transparency and safety. Implementation will begin with infrastructure deployment and a nationwide sensitization campaign.

Key stakeholders, including the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria and Verxid Technologies, are involved in this initiative, which also aims to curb unauthorized movement within airports and support revenue assurance through accurate data analytics.