FAAN to Replace Physical IDs With Facial Recognition at Domestic Airports

FAAN has introduced the V-Pass facial recognition platform to replace physical identification for domestic travellers, promising faster passenger processing, improved security and seamless airport access after one-time enrolment.

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

The authority announced the initiative on Thursday via its official X account, describing the platform as part of its ongoing digital transformation aimed at improving passenger processing, strengthening security and enhancing the overall airport experience.

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

Speaking in a video released by the authority, FAAN’s Director of Commercial and Business Development, Adebola Joy Agunbiade, said the system would eliminate the need for enrolled passengers to carry physical identity cards during airport check-in and boarding.

“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 explained that the technology would improve airport security by providing a more reliable method of passenger identification while also reducing queues and speeding up movement through airport terminals.

She added that the platform would enable FAAN and airlines to maintain a more comprehensive database of passengers using Nigeria’s domestic airports, helping to improve operational efficiency and security monitoring.

FAAN also stated that the V-Pass system was developed with strong data protection measures and complies with the Nigeria Data Protection Regulation (NDPR).

The authority, however, did not announce a specific date for the rollout of the facial recognition technology across domestic airports or indicate when passenger enrolment would begin.

The introduction of V-Pass is expected to modernise passenger verification processes as FAAN continues efforts to digitise airport operations and improve service delivery across Nigeria’s aviation sector.