…rising threats spur Overhaul of Civil Aviation Security
Nigeria’s aviation and security authorities have commenced a major review of the National Civil Aviation Security Programme (NCASP) to align it with global best practices set by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO).
The initiative took off in Lagos at the Nigeria AVSEC 2025 Workshop and Exercise with the theme: “Airport and Airspace Security: Functions of National Security.”
The event, jointly organized by the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA) and the Nigerian Air Force, brings together stakeholders to strengthen the nation’s aviation security architecture.
Facilitator of the workshop and Managing Director of Centurion Aviation Security and Safety Management Limited, Group Captain John Ojikutu (rtd), said the exercise is aimed at bridging existing gaps in the system and fostering better coordination among the various security agencies operating at airports.
He explained that the review would assess the performance of existing airport security committees and evaluate the need for a unified National Aviation Security Committee to enhance operational efficiency.
Group Captain Ojikutu, rtd noted that the lack of a clear command structure among armed security units at airports has long hampered effective response to threats, while other challenges such as disruptive passengers and encroachment of urban development around airport perimeters pose increasing risks.
According to him, the workshop seeks to build a stronger synergy between civil aviation authorities and national security agencies through regular joint threat and vulnerability assessments of high-risk airports.
The ultimate goal, he said, is to entrench a proactive security culture, improve coordination, and fortify Nigeria’s defenses across all layers of airport and airspace operations.
Reporting By Nosa Aituamen