ICAO Begins Lagos, Abuja Airports Security Audit

The International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), on Monday, began the security audit of the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), Lagos and the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport (NNIA), Abuja.

The team, it was gathered, will begin the 2024 ICAO Universal Security Audit Programme (USAP) through Continuous Monitoring Approach (CMA) for Lagos and Abuja airports.

The USAP CMA is expected to terminate on the 22nd March, 2024 and will cover Inflight Security (IFS), Passenger and Baggage Security (PAX), Acts of Unlawful Interference (AUI), Facilitation (FAL), Legislation (LEG), Training (TRG), Quality Control Function (QCF), Operations (OPS) and Cargo, Mail and Catering (CGO).

Also, the members of the four-man team are Callum Vine (team lead), James Mabala, Tebogo Mphela and Alagie Jeng.

The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), in a  statement by the director Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, Michael Achimugu, said the minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, welcomed the team of auditors to Nigeria and said the Universal Security Audit Program represents a concerted effort to uphold the highest standards of security across all facets of Nigeria’s aviation industry.

The minister said Nigeria aims to fortify her defences against evolving threats and vulnerabilities through rigorous assessments, comprehensive evaluations, and collaborative partnerships.

Keyamo, who was represented by the ministry’s permanent secretary, Dr. Emmanuel Meribole, commended the dedication and diligence of all stakeholders, including regulatory bodies, security agencies, service providers and aviation security personnel.

He said the  unwavering commitment ensures the success of Nigeria’s aviation security endeavours, and expressed hope that there will not be a Significant Security Concern.

The acting director general of Civil Aviation, Nigeria, Capt. Chris Najomo, stated that the objectives of the ICAO USAP CMA is to improve global aviation security (AVSEC) through auditing and the continuous monitoring of AVSEC performance of member states by assessing the level of effective implementation of critical elements of the States’ AVSEC oversight system which provides an indication of the sustainability of the State’s AVSEC system.

Other objectives outlined by the Ag. DGCA is to assess the indicative degree of compliance of the State with Annex 9 and 17 bothering on Facilitation to the Convention on International Civil Aviation and AVSEC standards and security-related standards respectively.

Capt. Najomo said that, as part of the on-site auditing process, both MMIA, Lagos and NAIA, Abuja have been selected as airports where verification of the implementation of security measures will be carried out.

He, however, expressed optimism that Nigeria will surpass last rating with the progressive transformations that have taken place in the industry since the last exercise and considering the level of commitment of the current administration to ensure secure, safe and efficient air transportation in Nigeria.