The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria has moved to update and expand security equipment at international airports to enable thorough passenger screening in line with the global Standards and Recommended Practices (SARPS) in aviation.
This was disclosed by the Managing Director of FAAN, Mrs. Olubunmi Kuku on Thursday in Lagos, during a strategic meeting with the executives and members of Airline Operators of Nigeria.
The organization has begun implementing plans to swap out all single-view scanners at the nation’s international airports for normal double-view ones.
In her presentation to the airline operators with the title: ‘Strategic Drive for Enhanced Airport & Aviation Security in Nigeria,’ Kuku explained that the replacement of the single-view scanners with standard double-view scanners was part of the equipment and technology modernization embarked upon by the management of FAAN.
She noted that this also facilitates and improves security at all airports, shortens wait times for screening at busy times, improves passenger experience, helps airlines, and shortens turnaround times for all operators.
Airport scanners are integral components of airport security systems designed to identify potential threats and ensure the safety of passengers and crew. These machines use a variety of technologies to scan passengers and their belongings for prohibited items.
Nigeria has five international airports; the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), Lagos, Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport (NAIA), Abuja, Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport (MAKIA), Port Harcourt International Airport (PHIA), Omagwa and Akanu Ibiam International Airport (AIIA), Enugu.
In addition, Kuku stated that the management had just finished evaluating the necessary cabin, luggage, and cargo scanners that are needed at every airport in the country.
She noted that the management of FAAN was also increasing the number of Liquid Explosive Detector Equipment (LEDE) across the nation’s airports.
She said, “We are also upgrading the x-ray scanners to explosive detection systems-enabled types. Also, we are carrying out the automation of the On-Duty-Card (ODC) application, processing and issuance.
“Besides, plans are also ongoing for scanners with hybrid capacity to detect explosives, narcotics and currencies. This is to fast-track implementation of automated joint search involving Aviation Security (AVSEC), the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) and the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS).”
However, the FAAN boss listed several threats impeding the industry’s overall growth, including inadequate infrastructure, safety concerns, unstable finances, high operating costs, insecurity, terrorism and sabotage, theft and vandalism of installations, and an increase in civil unrest.
“The directorate has continued to strive towards meeting its statutory responsibilities regarding security at our airports and will continue to improve its performance aimed at ensuring better efficiency in delivery on its mandate,” she added.
The airline operators expressed pleasure with the significant improvements introduced by the new FAAN management to further protect the airports and enhance faster passenger movement at the airports.
