General News
Biometrics: Technologies & Applications Are Not Equivalent – Sarrail
Greg Sarrail is vice president, Solutions Business Development at HID Biometrics. Sarrail also serves as Treasurer of Open Security Exchange; offering a fresh perspective, creative ideas and a strong desire to help drive innovation through the convergence of physical and IT security.
He also serves as Director of IT Channel at HID and offers IT-centric knowledge and experience gained from the IT industry.
He was previously employed by NEC, where he led sales and marketing for their Identity and Access Management business.
In this interview with peter ugwu, he spoke extensively on biometrics, and data security, and HID’s solutions to identified challenges in the sector.
HID Global and Its Place in IT security
HID Global enables our customers to create, manage and use secure identities around the world. Our products for the IT security industry range from strong authentication for logical access to transaction authentication via multiple methods including PKI, OTP and biometrics. Our physical security products protect access to datacentres, protected areas and server racks.
National Identity Number (NIN) Registration: Fingerprints & DNA Analytics
Fingerprint characteristics are not secrets. In fact we leave our fingerprints everywhere we go – on countertops, glasses at restaurants, even our phones.
One way to ensure that fingerprints are unusable by anyone but their legitimate owners is liveness detection — the real-time determination that the biometric characteristics presented are genuine and not fake.
The most effective liveness detection technology utilizes multispectral imaging which compares the complex optical characteristics of the material being presented against known characteristics of living skin. This ability of multispectral imaging to confirm that the finger is legitimate and alive allows organizations to use fingerprint authentication with confidence.
Of course, the best practice of combining an additional authentication factor with the fingerprint further secures the transaction as well as the individual’s identity.
Biometrics & Breach of Fingerprints ‘Passworded’ Smartphone
In biometrics, technologies and applications are not equivalent. There is a very large difference between the fingerprint technology that is used in a smartphone and commercial-grade fingerprint sensors that are used for identity verification at a bank.
Smartphone fingerprint sensors use very inexpensive components and do not provide advanced liveness detection capabilities to ensure that the data that is presented is a live fingerprint and not some fraudulent material.
Additionally, fingerprint enrolment on a smartphone generally takes place anonymously in a private setting, which means there may be no connection between the stored fingerprint template and the user’s real identity.
Commercial grade sensors use much more robust imaging. HID Global’s Lumidigm sensors use multispectral imaging which provides detailed information about the fingerprint image that is captured from multiple layers of skin.
This approach allows Lumidigm sensors to capture good fingerprint information regardless of the condition of the skin. Many of us have experienced the fact that a wet fingerprint does not function on a cell phone. The same is the case for dry, dirty or worn fingerprints. Lumidigm sensors are able to “see” through these issues to provide good fingerprint data every time.
How HID Global Devices ‘Liveness’ Detection Operates
With considerable effort, a criminal can conceivably “lift”a legitimate user’s fingerprint off of some surface such as a countertop and make what we in the industry call a ‘spoof’ — a fake finger — from materials such as latex or glue.
While this is fun to watch in movies, new commercial-grade biometric solutions have a technology known as liveness detection that uses several variables to instantly determine that the finger used to access the system is real — and still attached to a living human being.
HID Global’s multispectral imaging is a sophisticated technology specifically developed to overcome the fingerprint-capture problems that conventional imaging systems have in less-than-ideal conditions.
This more effective technology is based on the use of multiple spectrums of light and advanced polarization techniques to extract unique fingerprint characteristics from both the surface and subsurface of the skin.
Subsurface capability is important because the fingerprint ridges seen on the surface of the finger have their foundation beneath the surface of the skin, in the capillary beds and other sub-dermal structures.
Unlike surface fingerprint characteristics, which can be obscured during imaging by moisture, dirt or wear, the “inner fingerprint” lies undisturbed and unaltered beneath the surface.
When surface fingerprint information is combined with subsurface fingerprint information and reassembled in an intelligent and integrated manner a high quality fingerprint image is provided.
The sophisticated sub-surface capabilities of multispectral imaging are what make its liveness detection so effective.
The optical characteristics of living skin are very different from those of severed fingers or other non-human materials such as latex.
HID’s liveness detection is able to determine immediately if the fingerprint being presented to a sensor is real and legitimate.
How Fingerprint Images Should Be Stored, Particularly By the Security Agencies
The development of a back-end matching database for the process of identification is a long process that must take into account requirements such as transaction volume, accuracy and data security.
The matching system, typically called AFIS (Automated Fingerprint Information System,) stores biographic information for individuals and binds the biometric data to the record.
The biometric data can be in the form of a fingerprint image, but it is commonly a binary numerical template file that can either adhere to a standard or sit as a proprietary solution.
HID Biometrics utilises the standard ANSI 378 and ANSI 381 as our image quality is extremely high, allowing the technology to match better on a standard format rather than having a reliance on a proprietary one.
While access to a central database must always be kept secure from a breach, the consistent use of liveness detection renders stolen biometric data useless to criminals.
HID Biometrics offers a multifactor fingerprint reader that includes both a contactless card reader and a multispectral fingerprint sensor.
This new reader enables a use case whereby the biometric template can be stored on a card at enrolment and matched locally when a user presents his or her finger — no database query required!
The Best Approach to Recreating Them from Templates
Fingerprint images are nearly impossible to recreate from a template. A standard template is a binary code that contains information relating to the unique points of a person’s fingerprint image. HID Biometrics solutions do not recreate fingerprint images from templates.
Using Biometrics to Expedite Workflow, Authorise Electronic Prescriptions, and Curb Drug Diversion
Today, the most widespread use case for fingerprint biometrics in hospitals is to provide simple and secure access to electronic patient records and networks. When coupled with a single sign-on system, a fingerprint biometric provides a fast authentication method and an undeniable record of access.
Further, fingerprint biometric solutions are used to ensure efficient management of medical supplies and proper distribution of medications.
Controlling access to medication is crucial for patient safety, compliance with regulations regarding controlled substances, and inventory control.
With biometric authentication, only authorized users may gain access to the needed drugs and medications with a touch of a finger. Security is enhanced without compromising user convenience or workflow and an undeniable record of access is created which can curb drug diversion and abuse.
Using fingerprint sensors to authenticate an ePrescription is also gaining popularity for the simple reason that doctors need a fast way to authenticate using a two-factor approach – and biometrics offers the best solution available today. Access to and distribution of drugs can be properly tracked to avoid abuse and fraud.
Finance: ATM Integration, Security And Transaction-Based Authentication
A growing number of banks around the world are deploying biometric solutions as part of their next-generation ATM roll-outs.
As the world attempts to put an end to identity theft and to reduce waste, fraud and abuse, the banking sector is making a real commitment to biometric authentication and intelligent identity management.
Fingerprint biometrics is used at a number of ATMs across the world as a PIN replacement to improve access and authenticate transactions.
In some instances, traditional card plus PIN authentication has been replaced by a fingerprint and an account number, enabling true cardless transactions.
Fraud is commonly committed by the use of stolen PINs or cards. With the use of fingerprint biometrics, people can now keep their money safe and access their bank accounts with their fingers.
Biometrics does not discriminate by literacy, age, or ethnicity which has made this technology a good choice for financial inclusion programs.
Privacy and Data Interoperability
As stated above, fingerprints are not private. Thus, it is critical to ensure that the information provided during verification is presented from the same person that enrolled the information – hence the need for robust liveness detection.
Interoperability can be important for a biometric system. The use of a standard template that can be used across multiple systems allows for a single, ID-proofed biometric enrolment which can be leveraged at multiple points of verification.
The Potential to Pair Separate Credentials with User for One-To-One Match
The most effective method of identity verification uses some additional information in addition to a fingerprint to provide a one-to-one match, rather than requiring a back-end system to search through every record to provide a result within a given range of confidence of a match.
Something as simple as a name, an account number, a card number or a secondary credential stored on a card or phone can be paired with a fingerprint for a one-to-one match.
HID Global Mobile Student ID System Launch with WAEC In Nigeria
HID Global launched a mobile student ID system, in collaboration with Botosoft, to help the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) combat student identity fraud in Nigeria.
Every year, beginning in the spring, more than 2.2 million students will register online and receive machine-readable Genuine HID smart cards.
The use of handheld mobile readers eliminates identity fraud, and allows examiners to verify student attendance, and also enables them to manage challenges around examination rules violations in real-time.
The mobile reader application saves hundreds of hours of manual data entry and eliminates errors. The time saved allows the examiners to concentrate on the importance of the day as they can be confident that students are already authenticated for the exam in question.
General News
Appeal Court Nullifies Registration of ‘KPMG Professional Services’

The court of appeal in Lagos has asked the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) to revoke the certificate of registration of “KPMG Professional Services”.
In a unanimous decision delivered on Thursday, the appellant court granted the reliefs sought by KPMG Nigeria against CAC and KPMG Professional Services.
The judgment was read by Abdullahi Mahmud Bayero, the judge.
The two other judges are Abimbola Obaseki-Adejumo and A.M. Talba.
In 2002, KPMG Professional Services was registered as a company with CAC despite the existence of KPMG Nigeria, comprising its audit, tax, and consulting arms.
The KPMG Nigeria has long been registered in Nigeria before 2002.
KPMG Audit was registered in 1969, KPMG Tax Consultants in 1990, and KPMG Consulting in 1969.
Displeased with the registration of KPMG Professional Services, KPMG Nigeria approached the federal high court.
The consulting firm had argued that the name “KPMG Professional Services” was deceptively similar to its long-established identity.
In 2005, the lower court dismissed KPMG Nigeria’s case, citing an alleged merger between KPMG Nigeria and Akintola Williams Deloitte as reason the company could no longer assert rights to the name.
The lower upheld the second respondent’s (KPMG Professional Services) counterclaim and ordered that KPMG Nigeria’s name be struck off the CAC register.
The lower court had premised its decision on newspaper articles stating that KPMG Nigeria reportedly merged with Akintola Williams Deloitte.
Delivering the judgment, Bayero ruled that the lower court erred by relying on newspaper articles to ascertain that KPMG Nigeria allegedly merged with another company.
The judge said the documents showing the alleged merger were not presented before the lower court, and the form of the alleged merger could not have been known.
“In any event, the only branch of KPMG, if any, that entered into a merger with Akintola Williams as stated in the newspaper articles 18, is KPMG Audit,” the judge ruled.
“The other spheres were totally unaffected. It would therefore be wrong to state that the merger (which has not been shown to this Court) of KPMG Audit with Akintola Williams means all the other areas of business, including KPMG Consulting and KPMG Tax Consultants, also ceased to exist.
“Even if the Appellants (KPMG Nigeria) had ceased to do business as the Court seemed to have held, the 2nd Respondents (KPMG Professional Services) should not have been carrying on business until the Appellant’s certificate of registration is withdrawn or set aside.
“They cannot use the name until the Appellant’s certification of registration is withdrawn or set aside. They cannot use the name until the name is removed from the 1st Respondent’s (CAC) Register of Names.
“The 1st Respondents can only assign the name to the 2nd Respondents after first taking it away from the Appellants.”
The court ruled that CAC erred by registering KPMG Professional Services despite the existence of a business name, which is already registered.
The judge reversed the earlier ruling of the lower court and reaffirmed the primacy of statutory protection for existing business names under Nigerian corporate law.
General News
Air Peace Launches Abuja–London Heathrow, Gatwick flights October 26

Air Peace has announced the launch of direct flights from Abuja to London Heathrow and Gatwick airports, with operations scheduled to begin on October 26, 2025.
The airline said in a statement on Sunday that round-trip fares for the Abuja–London service will start from N1m, making it the first Nigerian carrier to offer direct connections from the capital to both of London’s major international airports. This was contained in a press release issued on Sunday by the airline’s spokesperson, Efe Osifo-Whiskey.
“Direct international flight services from Abuja to both London Heathrow and London Gatwick Airports, effective October 26, 2025.
“Air Peace becomes the first Nigerian carrier to offer direct services from Abuja to both of London’s major international airports, further solidifying its role as a leader in regional and intercontinental aviation.
“Travellers originating from any of Air Peace’s domestic destinations across Nigeria can now book through fares via Abuja to either Heathrow or Gatwick using a single ticket, eliminating the need for multiple bookings or baggage re-checks,” the statement read.
Similarly, the new route opens convenient access for inbound passengers from the UK to cities across Nigeria.
“Travellers from London can access multiple destinations across Nigeria using a single Air Peace ticket through Abuja every morning. These destinations are Lagos, Port Harcourt, Enugu, Benin, Warri, Owerri, Kano, Yola, Gombe and Asaba, for now. Other destinations will be added later,” Osifo-Whiskey stated.
Air Peace is also offering what it describes as unprecedented value in pricing and service.
Osifo-Whiskey said, “It provides a distinct competitive advantage, enabling passengers to travel between Nigeria and the United Kingdom with greater ease, efficiency, and value, due to the possibility of choosing multiple cities entry and exit points.
“Has the cheapest fares ever, starting from only 1 Million Naira round trip. Huge baggage allowance.”
The Abuja–London launch comes months after the airline began Lagos–London Heathrow flights, which started earlier in 2024.
General News
Prateek Suri CEO Maser Meets Zambia’s Education Minister to Propel Student Housing and Education Projects

Prateek Suri, CEO of MASER and recognized as the richest Indian entrepreneur in Africa, was welcomed this week by Zambia’s Education Minister, Hon. Douglas Munsaka Syakalima, for a high-level meeting in Lusaka that focused on student housing and broader education infrastructure initiatives.
The meeting, held at the Ministry of Education’s offices, opened with warm greetings and a presentation by Mr Suri detailing Maser’s plans to support Zambia’s rapidly scaling education sector. Suri, who led Maser to become Africa’s seventh unicorn, emphasized the company’s commitment to infrastructure that benefits students, educators, and communities across the continent.
Minister Syakalima underscored the urgency of addressing Zambia’s student accommodation gap, citing the country’s expanding net enrollment and the need for safe, affordable housing for tertiary students. Under his leadership, the Government has embarked on a bold infrastructure agenda: over 82 secondary schools already completed, 46 set to be finished in 2025, and 120 new institutions under construction, alongside 169 ECE hubs and 145 satellite centers to reach underserved areas.
During the meeting, Suri shared Maser’s vision for modern student housing built through public–private partnership models. He outlined a multi‑phase plan utilizing sustainable building design, digital infrastructure, and vocational training facilities integrated into these campuses. “Zambia’s youth deserve world-class learning environments,” Suri remarked. “Maser is prepared to leverage its experience to co-create impactful educational infrastructure.”
Minister Syakalima responded positively, stating, “We welcome the opportunity to collaborate with Maser. The CEO’s entrepreneurial success and the company’s commitment to Africa’s education development are exactly the kind of partnership we need to scale our infrastructure goals.”
Beyond housing, the dialogue extended to opportunities in blended learning, vocational skills, rural outreach, and digital inclusion. With Zambia implementing its forward‑looking 2023 Education Curriculum this year—including early childhood, primary, and Form 1 levels—the minister highlighted the need for supporting infrastructure at all levels to enable effective rollout.
Under Minister Syakalima’s tenure, the education sector has seen notable progress: 4,200 new teachers hired recently, bringing the total teacher workforce to over 40,000 in three years; strengthened focus on foundational learning via teacher training programmes like the “Catch Up Programme”; and ambitious expansion of school infrastructure across Zambia’s provinces.
Maser, co‑founded by Prateek Suri, transformed from an African startup in consumer electeonics and large infrastructure projects into a multi‑sector unicorn operating in real estate, renewable energy, mining and education technology. Its rapid rise and African focus have made Suri a leading figure in bolstering India–Africa economic relations.
As the richest Indian in Africa, Prateek Suri’s influence spans beyond business success—it represents growing bilateral investment aimed at credible, sustainable societal impact. His partnership with Zambia’s Ministry of Education signals a new era of cross-border collaboration in education infrastructure.
With both parties committing to inclusive planning and scalable implementation, the Maser‑Zambia dialogue could mark the beginning of transformative initiatives: from affordable student housing to cutting‑edge learning facilities, vocational training hubs, and digital classrooms.
In closing remarks on the significance of this dialogue, Suri stated, “Education infrastructure is the foundation for future growth. Our partnership with Minister Syakalima and the Government of Zambia is a testament to collective investment in youth, equity, and sustainable development.” Minister Syakalima echoed this optimism, saying that with strategic public–private investment, Zambia’s education sector is poised for a significant elevation.
This meeting lays the groundwork for collaboration that bridges government strategy and corporate innovation—ultimately aiming to empower Zambia’s students and accelerate national development.
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