The Federal Government of Nigeria has signed a new agreement to introduce a contactless biometric passenger verification system, known as VPASS, across all domestic airports in the country.
The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, disclosed this on Thursday, April 9, stating that the initiative is part of broader efforts to strengthen aviation security and improve operational efficiency within the sector.
According to the minister, the deployment of the VPASS system will enhance passenger verification processes by leveraging biometric technology, thereby reducing human contact and minimizing the risk of identity fraud.
“Yesterday, I signed a concession agreement on behalf of the Federal Government for the deployment of a contactless biometric passenger verification system, known as VPASS, across Nigeria’s domestic airports as part of efforts to strengthen aviation security, enhance data integrity, and improve revenue generation,” Keyamo said.
He explained that the agreement followed due regulatory and legal processes, including concurrence from the Infrastructure Concession Regulatory Commission (ICRC), the Attorney-General of the Federation, and final approval by the Federal Executive Council.
The VPASS system is expected to address long-standing challenges in Nigeria’s aviation industry, particularly issues related to inconsistencies in passenger data across different airline operators.
Keyamo noted that discrepancies in passenger records have often created loopholes that could be exploited, including cases of unauthorized boarding and weak identity verification processes.
“The initiative is designed to eliminate discrepancies in passenger data arising from inconsistent airline records, while also addressing unauthorised boarding practices,” he stated.
With the introduction of VPASS, the government aims to ensure that all passengers on domestic flights are properly identified before boarding. The system will rely on biometric authentication, which is expected to close existing gaps in the current identification framework.
Industry stakeholders say the move represents a significant step toward modernizing Nigeria’s aviation infrastructure, aligning it with global best practices in passenger processing and security management.
Beyond security, the Federal Government also expects the system to improve data accuracy and boost revenue generation. By maintaining a unified and reliable passenger database, authorities will be better positioned to track travel patterns, reduce leakages, and enhance accountability within the aviation ecosystem.
The deployment of VPASS is part of ongoing reforms by the Federal Government to reposition the aviation sector as a key driver of economic growth. Analysts note that improved security and efficiency at airports could increase passenger confidence and attract more investment into the industry.
While details regarding the timeline for full implementation were not disclosed, officials indicated that rollout across domestic airports will begin in phases.
As Nigeria moves to adopt more advanced technologies in its transport sector, the VPASS initiative is expected to play a crucial role in enhancing safety, streamlining passenger experience, and strengthening regulatory oversight in the country’s aviation industry.
