Nigeria signs deal to begin ‘contactless’ verification of passengers in domestic airports

The Federal Government of Nigeria has signed a new deal to introduce a “contactless” biometric passenger verification system (VPASS) at all domestic airports across the country.

Festus Keyamo, the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development said the deal was signed on Thursday, April 9.

According to Keyamo, the Federal Government will begin deployment of the VPASS across airports as part of its effort to improve the nation’s aviation security.

He noted that the effort is also aimed at enhancing data integrity and improving revenue generation within the aviation sector.

His words, “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.

“This came after the necessary concurrence of the Infrastructure Concession Regulatory Commission (ICRC), the Attorney-General of the Federation and the approval of the Federal Executive Council,” Keyamo said.

He added that the rough the VPASS, the Federal Government will be able to eliminate the incessant disparities in passenger data arising from inconsistent airline records.

“The initiative is designed to eliminate discrepancies in passenger data arising from inconsistent airline records, while also addressing unauthorised boarding practices.

“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,” the Minister added.