FAAN introduced a facial recognition system to replace physical IDs at domestic airports

The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) has announced plans to introduce a biometric identity verification platform that will allow passengers traveling through domestic airports to board aircraft without presenting a physical means of identification.

The new platform, known as V-Pass, was launched on Thursday via the authority’s official X account as part of FAAN’s broader digital transformation program aimed at enhancing airport security, simplifying passenger processing and improving the overall travel experience.

Under this initiative, passengers will undergo a one-time registration process, after which their identity will be authenticated via facial recognition technology at automated electronic gates installed at domestic terminals.

Explaining how the system will operate, FAAN Director of Commercial and Business Development, Adebola Joy Agunbiade, said travelers registered on the platform will no longer need to present physical identity cards during check-in or boarding procedures.

“There is no longer a need to use your physical identity card to check-in or when it’s time to pass through the departure gate.

“After I checked in for my flight, I arrived at the e-gate, I was recognized using my biometrics, namely my face.

“If I forget my identity at home, as long as I am registered and on the V-Pass platform, I actually don’t need it. My identity is my face,” he said.

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According to Agunbiade, the introduction of facial recognition technology is expected to strengthen security measures at airports by providing a more reliable way to verify passenger identity while significantly reducing waiting times and facilitating passenger movement through terminal facilities.

He noted that the digital platform will also enable FAAN and domestic airlines to maintain a more comprehensive and accurate database of passengers using Nigerian airports.

While announcing this initiative, the authorities assured the public that the V-Pass system has been developed with strong protections for personal information and complies with the Nigerian Data Protection Regulations (NDPR).

Although FAAN did not specify a launch date, authorities said the facial recognition technology is part of its ongoing efforts to modernize airport operations and improve service delivery in the country’s domestic aviation sector.

Authorities have not announced when passenger registration will begin or given a timeline for implementing the biometric system across Nigeria’s domestic airports.