Representative of the Aviation Minister, DG NCAA, Captain Musa Nuhu
The Minister of Aviation, Senator Hadi Sirika, says, efforts are on in addressing the challenges of attacks and incursions due to damaged, incomplete amd non-existence of perimeter fences in some airports in the country.
This is just as the Minister disclosed that, the industry was seeking the approval of the Federal Executive Council, FEC for Aviation Security personnel to bear arms.
The Minister who stated this while declaring open the Airports Council International (ACI) Africa, Security Week in Abuja with the theme: ‘Promotion of Security Culture in Africa Airports’ said, as part of measures to train aviation security personnel, it embarked on the construction of shooting ranges at major airports in Nigeria and the work was at its completion stage.
The aviation Minister represented by the Director General,Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority NCAA, Captain Musa Nuhu explained that, these with the approved deployment of K-9 would upscale the safeguarding of national and international civil aviation against acts of unlawful interference.
Managing Director of FAAN, Captain Rabiu Hamisu Yadudu also listed other security measurrs taken to include, the designed an approved AVSEC roadmap, standardized, structured security awareness programme, increase in number of AVSEC instructors and functional training schedule/programme and background checks.
“Aviation is technology driven. State of the art screening and surveillance systems are currently replacing old and epileptic systems in order to improve efficiency and assure satisfactory customer experience while enhancing security of flights, crew and passengers”
“The Authority has strengthen its collaboration with host communities more than ever before and will continue to constructively engage them as critical partners in our journey towards building a robust security culture in and around our airports. Our security communication is receiving the needed attention for operational efficiency and the next generation of AVSEC instructors are being identified, developed and certified.”
Director of Aviation Security Services, FAAN, Group Captain Usman Abubakar (rtd) called on government to consider the formation a Rapid Response Squad capable of providing timely and professional interventions in any crisis and distress situations.
He said, this should be geared towards arresting the ubiquitous and unconventional pattern of the new sets and levels of potential security threats against civil aviation in Nigeria and the Sahel and Sub-Saharan region as a whole.
“Considering the size, challenges and technological advancements, it has become very important to draw management’s kind attention towards the approval of additional General Managers position in line with the Directorate’s restructured organogram.”
