On Monday, the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, revealed that 30-second biometric clearance gates have been installed by the federal government for the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) in international airports around the country.
The gates, according to the minister, who spoke during an inspection visit to the Abuja International Airport, will be ready at the airports by March 2024.
News About Nigeria reported that the international airports where the gates would be installed include; Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja, Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos, Port Harcourt International Airport, Akanu Ibiam International Airport in Enugu and the Aminu Kano International Airport.
The Minister also revealed that the Lagos International Airport would get the highest number of 17 gates, while Abuja would get 10, Port Harcourt and Kano would get five each, and Enugu would get four.
Explaining the need for the gates Tunji-Ojo stated that, aside from the fact that it is in line with global best practices and standards, it would help save time as there would be no need for passengers to encounter immigration officers anymore.
He also added that the installation of the biometric gate would also help to strengthen security in the nation.
He said, “The efficiency of the services provided by the NIS determines whatever we see in our security outlook as a nation. All these are being done in line with global best practices and standards and in consonance with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu to provide quality services to Nigerians.
“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.”
He also expressed his happiness over the speed with which the work is being done, noting that at as today, the facilities are about 70 percent ready.
