FG Approves Biometric Upgrades At Airports, Others
To tackle identity fraud and enhance security, the Federal government has a contactless biometric passenger verification system linked to the National Identification Number (NIN) across all airports in the country.
Festus Keyamo, minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, disclosed this on Thursday, while briefing State House correspondents after the Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting in Abuja.
“Too many people board aircraft using fake identities. This system will confirm passengers are who they claim to be,” Keyamo said.
The minister also said that the Council also ratified contracts under the 2024 budget to install airfield lighting at select airports so they can operate into late evening hours, helping airlines improve revenue.
“Some airports shut by 6 p.m. because they lack lighting. This upgrade will allow operations till 10–11 p.m.,” he noted.
Keyamo appealed to aviation unions to support ongoing reforms, stressing that while he remains pro-labour, “unions will not dictate government policy.”
Keyamo said the directive overrides interpretations linked to previous administrations’ asset disposal programmes, stressing that FAAN properties are strategic national assets that must remain under government control.
The minister clarified that essential personnel, including firefighters and navigational officers, are required to reside within airport precincts to ensure rapid emergency response, making the retention of these facilities critical.
“We will not concede any of these properties to private individuals. Anyone who believes they have purchased such assets should take note,” he said.
The minister added that FEC granted eight approvals for the aviation ministry, covering airport safety, technology upgrades, concessions and security enhancements.
These include contracts for maintenance and support services for Aeronautical Information Management (AIM) solutions across five international airports — Abuja, Lagos, Kano, Port Harcourt and Enugu.
Council also approved the deployment of advanced Terrestrial Trunked Radio (TETRA) power systems nationwide, along with 14 VHF remote communication systems for the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA) to boost navigational safety.
To meet International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) standards, FEC endorsed the purchase of 15 airport rescue and firefighting vehicles for the five major international airports.
Keyamo further announced that NAMA, currently operating from rented offices in Abuja, will now have a purpose-built headquarters in the capital.