The Federal Government has directed the implementation of a one-stop joint-interest screening system to enhance security at Nigerian airports.
Mr. Ahmadu Danjuma, the Acting Regional Manager, North Central, Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), disclosed this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Sunday in Abuja.
Danjuma said the Office of the National Security Adviser issued the directive to, among others, ensure herdsmen and hoodlums were kept far away from the nation`s airports.
It improves security, reduces duplication, and enhances efficiency by combining immigration, customs, and security checks into one streamlined, coordinated operation.
Danjuma said FAAN had also increased surveillance, deployed more personnel and installed modern security equipment, including X-ray machines and L3 scanning machines across major airports
“We have constant patrol along our perimeter fences.
“We collaborate with other security agencies to go intermittently round the airports with our security men to assure the public that the airports are safe and secure.
‘”To God be the glory, throughout this year, here at Abuja airport and others, we have not had a course to worry about security breaches even during the busy period of festivals,” he said.
Danjuma reiterated that FAAN had enhanced perimeter security and intelligence gathering to keep off herders, stray herds, and intruders from the airports.
He added that the authority had deployed training, capacity building, and technology integration to strengthen security and meet international standards.
The acting regional manager also stated that the government had approved aviation security personnel to bear arms to enhance security.
He disclosed that the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) had mandated the Basic STP123 AVSEC course for all aviation security personnel.
According to him, Basic STP123 AVSEC course is a mandatory training programme for aviation security personnel in Nigeria.
It aimed at equipping them with the necessary knowledge, skills, and competencies to effectively implement aviation security preventive measures.
“This course covers key areas like; understanding aviation security threats, working safely within an airport, communication and cooperation with other agencies.
“It covers control of people and vehicular movement, recognising restricted articles, explosives screening and searching, passengers, baggage and cargo screening procedures.
”The course also covers emergency response to security incidents and airport emergencies,” he said.
Danjuma said the course, approved by the NCAA, is a basic requirement for all security personnel before deployment.
He said the new measures reflected the government’s commitment to strengthening aviation security through collaboration, advanced technology, and improved personnel training across airports.
He expressed confidence that the reforms would sustain safety standards, prevent security breaches.
The acting regional manager reassured passengers of secure and efficient airport operations nationwide. (NAN)
