FAAN to introduce facial recognition for domestic airport passengers

The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) has unveiled a biometric facial recognition system, known as V-Pass, that will allow passengers travelling through domestic airports to verify their identities without presenting physical identification documents.

The authority announced the initiative on Thursday, describing it as part of its digital transformation aimed at improving passenger processing, airport security and the overall travel experience.

According to FAAN, passengers will complete a one-time registration, after which their identities can be verified through facial recognition at automated electronic gates installed at domestic airports.

Speaking in a video shared by the authority, FAAN’s Director of Commercial and Business Development, Adebola Joy Agunbiade, said enrolled passengers would no longer need to present physical identity cards during check-in or boarding.

“There’s no more going to be having to use your physical ID to go to the check-in or when it’s time to go through the boarding gate.

“Once I check in for my flight, I get to the e-gate, I’m recognised using my biometrics, which is my face.

“If I forget my ID at home, as long as I have been registered and onboarded on the V-Pass platform, I really don’t need that. My identification is my face,” she said.

Agunbiade said the system would strengthen airport security by providing a more secure method of passenger identification while reducing queues and improving passenger movement through airports.

She added that the platform would also enable FAAN and airlines to maintain a more comprehensive database of domestic air travellers.

FAAN said the V-Pass platform was developed in compliance with the Nigeria Data Protection Regulation to safeguard users’ personal information.

The authority, however, did not announce a rollout date for the deployment of the facial recognition system or the commencement of passenger enrolment.