The Nigeria Immigration Service will implement 30-second biometric clearance gates, commissioned by the Federal Government, at the country’s international airports. These gates are set to be operational by March 2024 and will be installed at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos, Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja, Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport, Port Harcourt International Airport, and Akanu Ibiam International Airport in Enugu.
Upon deployment, these gates will streamline the clearance process for travelers entering Nigeria via any of the aforementioned international airports. Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, announced during an inspection visit to Abuja International Airport that Lagos will receive 17 gates, Abuja 10, Port Harcourt and Kano 5 each, and Enugu 4 gates.
Tunji-Ojo emphasized the significance of these facilities in enhancing the efficiency and effectiveness of managing international passengers, describing them as a pivotal addition to the National Security Architecture. He praised the progress of work on the gates, indicating they are nearly 70% complete, which bodes well for border control management.
He highlighted that the speed and ease of the clearance process, approximately 30 seconds per passenger, demonstrate the quality and efficacy of the infrastructure. Once passengers check in, they will undergo swift clearance through these gates unless flagged as persons of interest, thus contributing to both expedited travel and national security.
Tunji-Ojo underscored the importance of aligning with global standards and President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda to deliver quality services to Nigerians, emphasizing that the gates will not only facilitate quick passage but also enhance the nation’s security posture by providing additional layers to the National Security Architecture.