By Nifemi Adefemi
(With Agency Reports)
Facial recognition technology to be installed at Nigerian airports, according to federal government
The Federal Government of Nigeria has announced its plans to deploy facial recognition technology at major airports across the country. Minister of State for Finance, Budget and National Planning, Clem Agba, revealed the plan during a meeting with the Japanese Ambassador to Nigeria, Matsunaga Kazuyoshi, and representatives from NEC Corporation, an IT company, in Abuja. The technology is expected to detect impostors and improve security at the airports. It will be deployed through grant agreements between the Nigerian Government and the Japanese counterpart.
The installation of the facial recognition technology is expected to begin with a pilot phase at Lagos and Abuja international airports, before being extended to Port Harcourt, Enugu, and Kano airports. Agba also promised to lead the ambassador and the team on a site survey visit to Lagos and Abuja airports for necessary assessments.
Speaking at the meeting, Kazuyoshi said that the use of advanced technology would reduce security threats in and around Nigerian airports. He added that the initiative would strengthen the country’s security architecture and promote investment opportunities in different sectors of Nigeria’s economy.
The minister emphasized that facial recognition technology had proved to be very effective globally in securing airports, and sought the cooperation of all relevant stakeholders to ensure the success of the project. The installation of the technology is part of efforts to address security concerns and nip them in the bud. The deployment of CCTV cameras at strategic places will also be considered as part of the initiative. Officials of the Federal Airport Authority of Nigeria, the Nigerian Immigration Service, and the Nigerian Police were present during the meeting.