Interior Minister Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo inspected four already installed E-verification gates of the planned ten at Abuja’s Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport.
Impressed by the gates’ ability to clear individuals in just 30 seconds, Tunji-Ojo emphasized their importance for security and passenger convenience.
These state-of-the-art gates are part of the E-Immigration project, aimed at modernizing airport processes nationwide. The remaining six E-Verification Gates at NAIA are expected to be online by month-end.
Tunji-Ojo highlighted the gates’ role in reducing wait times for passengers, ensuring they are no longer subject to lengthy immigration procedures.
With a clearance time of only 30 seconds per person, these gates will set a new efficiency standard.
He stressed “With an impressive clearance time of just 30 seconds per individual, the gates are set to establish a new standard for efficiency in airport processing, comparable to the global benchmark.”
“Through advanced biometric scanning and automated flagging systems, the gates will swiftly identify individuals of interest or those on watchlists, bolstering the efforts of the Nigeria Immigration Service, NIS, to safeguard the nation’s borders,” he said.
The project targets installing 40 E-verification gates across multiple airports by the end of the first quarter.
Tunji-Ojo also inspected progress on the Command-and-Control Centre and border control data center at the NIS Headquarters.
He praised the NIS for their commitment to adopting cutting-edge technology for operational efficiency and security.
Assuring Nigerians of enhanced border security, Tunji-Ojo expressed confidence in the project’s ability to safeguard the nation.
“Nigerians will soon be able to sleep with their two eyes closed, knowing fully well that their borders are well protected, and the Nigerian state is secured,” Tunji-Ojo assured.
