The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) and the National Security Adviser (NSA) have unveiled a collaborative effort aimed at streamlining security procedures at airports across the country. As part of this initiative, both organisations have announced plans to reduce physical security checks at airports.
The decision to minimise physical security checks comes as a response to the evolving landscape of aviation security and the need to balance safety measures with efficiency. FAAN and NSA emphasise that while physical security checks are essential, there is a need to adopt more technology-driven solutions to enhance the overall security posture at airports.
Upon assuming office, the first challenge addressed by the Managing Director of FAAN, Olubunmi Kuku, was the issue of multiple security checkpoints. Speaking with newsmen over the weekend, Kuku stated that FAAN and the office of the NSA have agreed on short and long-term measures to tackle the problem. Part of these measures involves creating a joint coordination room where all agencies can conduct necessary checks by monitoring CCTV cameras. This decision follows complaints by travelers who have lamented the delays caused by multiple physical security checks.
The FAAN MD also mentioned having productive discussions with the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, to develop viable solutions to the problem.
“On the issues of the checking of baggage, it borders me so much and that was the first inquiry that I made when I assumed office. As far back as 2011 and 2012 when I was in the industry, I have worked on this with the former Minister,” she said.
“It goes beyond FAAN, a lot of those agencies like NDLEA, Custom Quarantine Agriculture, we now have EFCC, we have almost everybody at the airports. We had Executive order 001 during the Buhari administration to move them out under the then Vice President office, now we have the National Single Window. I have personally sat with the NSA over the last five weeks to have conversations with him as to how we will streamline the facilitation.”
Hinting at resolutions from her meeting with security agencies, Kuku outlined two key agreements. First, a short-term intervention involves reducing the number of agencies at airports. Second, a longer-term solution involves establishing a joint coordination room where agencies can monitor CCTV cameras. This setup allows agencies to observe different areas based on their specific concerns, such as baggage checking, by moving to designated locations where bags are loaded.
This post was originally published on 3rd party site mentioned in the title of this site
