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International airports across the nation has installed 30-second biometric gate following the directive of the Federal Government.
The federal government made the installation of the biometric clearance gates for the Nigeria Immigration Service at the country's international airports. The gates are to be operational at airports across Nigeria starting from March 2024.
The airports involved are; 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.
Once operational, these gates will provide seamless clearance services for passengers entering the country through any of the international airports.
During an inspection visit to the Abuja International Airport, the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, announced that Lagos would get 17 gates, Abuja 10, Port Harcourt and Kano five each, and Enugu four.
Tunji-Ojo emphasized that these facilities would be a game-changer for the effective and efficient management of international passengers in Nigeria, stating, "The efficiency of the services provided by the NIS determines whatever we see in our security outlook as a nation."
He also highlighted the gates' role in enhancing national security, noting that they would allow Immigration officers to flag individuals of interest efficiently.
The minister emphasized that the installation of these gates is in line with global best practices and standards and aligns with President Bola Tinubu's Renewed Hope Agenda to provide quality services to Nigerians.
The Minister expressed his satisfaction with the progress of work, stating, "I am impressed by the levels and pace of works I have seen here today. The facilities are about 70 percent ready. This means our border control management system is on track. It also means that the Nigeria Immigration Service is ready to contribute its quota to the National Security Architecture."
