Aviation security expert and former military Lagos airport commandant, Group Captain John Ojikutu (rtd), has raised serious concerns over the state of airport security in Nigeria.
He warned that the current system is fragmented, vulnerable, and lacking proper coordination among relevant agencies.
Speaking at a recent forum on aviation security in Lagos, retired Group Captain Ojikutu questioned the effectiveness of Nigeria’s approach to airport protection, arguing that the challenges, while solvable require urgent structural reforms and strategic realignment to global standards.
He emphasized that aviation security is not an isolated function but an integral part of national security, and therefore, must be treated with the seriousness it deserves.
”The problems are not insolvable. They can be solved if we do the right thing, with the right people, at the right time. It’s about compliance with international regulations, national frameworks, and properly approved operator security programs.”
He criticized the over-reliance on multiple armed security agencies at airports, describing it as ineffective and chaotic.
According to him, customs, immigration, police, NDLEA, and others often operate in silos, leading to overlapping roles and confusion rather than coordinated action.
He recalled that similar problems were identified in the United States post-9/11, prompting the creation of the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) under a single unified command.
“We must stop thinking that multiplying armed personnel is the answer. Security is not about how many guns you have, it is about intelligence, profiling, and coordination”.
“Every person around the airport, passengers, staff, even meeters and greeters, must be profiled. That’s where it starts.”
The aviation security expert, also raised critical questions about Nigeria’s National Aviation Security structure.
He queried the existence and functionality of a National Aviation Security Committee as mandated by ICAO Annex 17, warning that without a properly constituted and active committee, national security lapses will persist.
“You cannot have the same people writing and approving security programs. It’s a fundamental flaw”.
He decried the decision to designate the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), a commercial service provider as the coordinator of all government security agencies at the airports, calling it a major misstep.
Pointing out that FAAN AVSEC personnel are significantly outnumbered by other government agencies, most of whom operate independently and often without synergy.
Using historical references and personal experience, he recounted a past incident where two armed personnel from different agencies clashed over extortion at an airport, resulting in one fatally shooting the other.
“This is what happens when everyone carries arms with no central control”.
The retired Group Captain emphasized that true aviation security starts outside the airport with intelligence gathering by national agencies, particularly through watchlists and no-fly databases.
The security expert called for a comprehensive review of passenger pre-screening systems, access control procedures, and in-flight security measures.
He observed that very few Nigerian airlines maintain onboard security protocols, leading to frequent cases of disruptive passengers.
Reporting by Nosa Aituamen