Relief as NSA order dismantling of multiple security checks at airports
The hitherto multiple layers of security checks at Nigerian airports are to be dismantle forthwith as the office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) on Tuesday ordered the immediate implementation of a one-stop joint-interest screening system across the country’s airports.
Stakeholders sees the directive as a huge relief for passengers and stakeholders who over the years has bemoaned the unnecessary check points especially at entry airports in Nigeria saying they are unnecessary and constitute barriers to ease of movement and doing business just as they also serve as points of exploitations by security agents who manned the check points.
Speaking at a one-day aviation security symposium themed: ‘The Fundamentality of Security in Achieving the Safe Skies Goals.’ organised by the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) in Lagos, National Security Adviser, Mr. Nuhu Ribadu said the measure aimed at eliminating the operational clumsiness associated with the various checks, curb touting, and also to streamline security innovations in the aviation sector.
The NSA, who was represented by Air Commodore Ahmad Madawaki, explained that “As part of the efforts of the Office of the National Security Adviser, the NSA has directed the implementation of the one-stop joint-interest screening system to avoid clumsiness and touting in innovation operations at our airports.”
Madawaki disclosed that “The National Security Adviser’s office is also developing a security track assessment framework to monitor and evaluate all airports and airspace operations in Nigeria. This initiative involves a multi-stakeholder setup, drawing expertise from various sectors to assess risks and bolster nationwide aviation safety.
“The framework will guide assessments and help ensure that operators across the industry are security-conscious. Stakeholders must share timely information to safeguard both our airports and the airspace,” he told participants.
Speaking further, the ONSA representative affirmed the symposium is crucial in an era where global connectivity has become both a catalyst for progress and a challenge for safety.
Aviation security, he added “stands as a cornerstone in safeguarding not only our airspace but also our national integrity and achieving this is only possible when robust, collaborative and forward-thinking frameworks are put in place. As we deliberate, let us bear in mind that security issues are multifaceted and in dealing with this, we must consider the forms and sources of threat.”
According to him, “While looking into securing the airspace, we must ensure regulations as laid down by the relevant International and National aviation bodies such as ICAO are adhered to and new rules drawn where necessary.”
He also urged that “Aviation security must be taken seriously because it is the backbone of safe air travel. It is also the invisible shield that makes the goal of safe skies a reality. As we look towards the future, we must therefore continue to keep our eyes and ears open, monitoring the ever-evolving threats and growing technological complexities.
We must also reaffirm our commitment to strengthening aviation security in Nigeria at all levels because it is only through thorough vigilance, innovation, contributions and cooperation that we can achieve safe skies for all.”
Director General of NCAA, Captain Chris Najomo pointed out that “The aviation Industry is, indeed, the lifeline of global connectivity by acting as a key enabler for commerce, cultural exchange and economic development.”
He however explained that “the opportunities have witness increasingly-evolving threats of cyberattacks, terrorism, insider-threats, unmanned aerial systems; not forgetting the intricate dilemmas of cargo, passenger and airport security.”
The DG CA explained that “The aviation Industry is, indeed, the lifeline of global connectivity by acting as a key enabler for commerce, cultural exchange and economic development. Expectedly, with these opportunities come increasingly-evolving threats of cyberattacks, terrorism, insider-threats, unmanned aerial systems; not forgetting the intricate dilemmas of cargo, passenger and airport security.”
