Border security: FG tests e-gates at Abuja Airport

The Federal Government has tested the electronic gates (e-gates) installed at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, affirming that the e-gates will be ready for deployment for operations by next week.

Minister of Interior Dr Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo who was accompanied by the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry,  Dr Aishetu Ndayako and the Comptroller-General of Immigration, Kemi Nanna Nandap among other top government officials test ran the e-gates on Friday.

Recall that Tunji-Ojo was at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport Abuja on 19th February 2024 to inspect the installation of the E-verification gates project, with a promise then that the e-gates would soon be deployed for use to eliminate human interface. 

He said the Federal Government would continue to leverage technology to strengthen border security as well as enhance travel experience for Nigerians and other nationals coming into the country.

He said the e-gates were being deployed to eliminate human interfaces, reduce bureaucracy and make movements of passengers in and out the country seamless.

Tunji-Ojo noted the state-of-the-art E-verification gates are a major component of the E-Immigration project, in the ongoing efforts to modernise and optimise immigration processes across the nation’s airports.

The Minister said 29 of the e-gates would be deployed in Lagos, four in Enugu and Kano while Port-Harcourt would have five. 

He disclosed that the Airport infrastructure and Command and Control Centres have been subjected to different tests with fake and expired passports rejected while genuine ones were cleared.

Tunji-Ojo said: “With this massive infrastructure, we believe that no unwanted persons or persons of interests can find their ways into Nigeria. Our security through the Airports and in the Airport domains is guaranteed.

“It is a testimony to what Mr President told us from day one on his Renewed Hope Agenda. He asked us to change the narratives and make passengers movements in and out of the country seamless.

“You can see that we have all our team here working in synergy with the authorities of the Federal Airport Authority of Nigeria, (FAAN) the Nigeria Customs Service and other stakeholders.

“I must at this point commend the Minister of Aviation, Hon Festus Keyamo (SAN) and other critical stakeholders who have made this transformation possible.”

Dr. Tunji-Ojo emphasised that the electronic gates woul be deployed at all international airport arrival points nationwide, saying the initiative aligns with President Ahmed Bola Tinubu’s vision to restore public confidence in the government, as part of the Renewed Hope agenda.

Also read: State of origin certificate required for passport renewal application — NIS