Eko Hot Blog reports that the Federal Government has announced plans to install biometric clearance gates at all international airports in Nigeria starting March 2024, aimed at improving passenger processing and enhancing border security.
Speaking during an inspection tour of Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport Abuja on Monday, Interior Minister Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo revealed the gate distribution plan: “Lagos would get 17 gates, Abuja, 10; Port Harcourt and Kano would get five each, and Enugu would get four.”
“Once you check in you don’t need to have an encounter with Immigration officers anymore except you are a person of interest. This facility is not just for you to pass at record time, no. It is also to secure the nation and add another layer to our National Security Architecture,” the Minister stated.
The biometric gates will be installed at Murtala Muhammed Airport Lagos, Nnamdi Azikiwe Airport Abuja, Mallam Aminu Kano Airport Kano, Port Harcourt Airport Omagwa and Akanu Ibiam Airport Enugu.
Tunji-Ojo expressed satisfaction with the pace of work, noting the gates are about 70% complete.
He said the project aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda to improve services.
According to the Minister, the technology will “provide seamless clearance services for passengers entering the country.”
The gates are expected to reduce passenger delays and enhance immigration screening.
Tunji-Ojo added that the efficiency of the Nigeria Immigration Service is key to the nation’s security outlook.
The biometric gates are in line with global best practices for border control management.
Aviation analysts have decried recurrent delays at Nigerian airports. The rollout of automated biometric clearance aims to change the narrative and improve travel experiences.
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