The Federal Government of Nigeria has signed a landmark concession agreement for the deployment of a contactless biometric passenger verification system, known as VPASS, across all domestic airports in the country.
The agreement was signed by the Honourable Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, on behalf of the Federal Government, marking a significant step toward modernizing Nigeria’s aviation security framework.
The initiative, developed under the supervision of the Federal Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development, received approval from the Federal Executive Council, with additional concurrence from the Infrastructure Concession Regulatory Commission and the Attorney-General of the Federation.
According to officials, the VPASS system is designed to introduce contactless biometric verification for passengers traveling through domestic airports. The technology will enable accurate identification of air travelers, reduce inconsistencies in passenger records, and eliminate discrepancies caused by varying airline data systems.
Authorities explained that the system is also expected to curb unauthorized boarding practices by ensuring that only properly verified passengers gain access to flights. This, they said, will significantly strengthen aviation safety and improve overall operational integrity within the sector.
In addition to security improvements, the initiative is expected to enhance data management and boost revenue generation by improving tracking accuracy and reducing leakages associated with manual verification processes.
Government representatives described the project as part of a broader effort to modernize Nigeria’s aviation infrastructure through innovation, transparency, and alignment with global best practices.
Industry stakeholders have welcomed the development, noting that the adoption of biometric systems in air travel aligns with international standards and reflects growing emphasis on digital transformation in public sector services.
The VPASS rollout is expected to be implemented across all domestic airports in phases, with authorities emphasizing that the system will play a key role in strengthening trust, efficiency, and security in Nigeria’s aviation ecosystem.