BASL, police partner to improve airport security

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Bi-Courtney Aviation Services Limited and the Nigeria Police, Airport Command, have reaffirmed their partnership with the goal of enhancing safety and security at Terminal 2 of the Murtala Muhammad Airport.

During a visit to the terminal on Friday, Commissioner of Police Ebong Ebibwa and his team, including Deputy Commissioner of Police Kayode Sunday, formally renewed the Memorandum of Understanding that has been in effect for over 16 years between the two organizations.

The Senior Management Team of BASL, led by Acting Chief Operating Officer Ms. Tosan Duncan, warmly welcomed the law enforcement officials and emphasized that the renewed collaboration is of strategic importance in ensuring secure air travel and fostering economic prosperity for the state and the country.

Other members of staff of BASL on the entourage were Blessing Ewah, Head of Operations; Monica Oguta, Head of Aviation Security; Tinuola Dapo-Awosika, Head of Human Resources; Oluwatosin Onalaja, Head of Corporate Communications; Nofisat Adeniran, Head of Safety; Oluremi Jibodu, Head of Aeronautical and Cargo Services; Chidoka Uchechukwu, Head of Technical Services; Kola Bamigboye, Head of Space and Premises; and Gbubemi Aibangbee, Head of Marketing. Mr. Abiodun Odude, a former Commissioner of Police and Chief Security Officer to BASL, was also in attendance.

During her speech, Duncan expressed her appreciation for the dedication of the police officials in ensuring a high level of security within and around the terminal. She also acknowledged the valuable assistance of the Nigerian Air Force in achieving this commendable objective.

Duncan highlighted the significance of creating a secure and peaceful atmosphere that facilitates the growth of businesses and individuals. She stated that in addition to the Memorandum of Understanding, BASL is prepared to support the Nigeria Police on other developmental initiatives.

Furthermore, Duncan emphasized that BASL is actively engaged in addressing Nigeria’s socioeconomic issues by focusing on human capital development and establishing strategic collaborations with both governmental and non-governmental entities.

“We are not saying this for the sake of it. We want this interface to translate into concrete output. We want to see programmes and projects we can partner with the Police on to sustain and improve the security of our infrastructure, businesses, and the Nigerian people who use our facility and that of our customers daily,” Duncan, added.

In response to Duncan’s remarks, CP Ebibwa confirmed that his visit was intended to address the concerns raised by BASL. He reassured the company of the unwavering support of the police command.

The Commissioner of Police stressed the significance of safety and security in the aviation industry and affirmed the police force’s commitment to providing their professional expertise in these areas.

He said, “I am very happy to visit Bi-Courtney Aviation Services Limited, the Operator of the Murtala Muhammed Airport Terminal Two today, one of Nigeria’s most important business investments.

“The purpose of my visit is partly to familiarize myself with the environment, particularly important stakeholders as the management of the MMA2 Terminal, assure you of my command’s unwavering support, and engage you on how to sustain and even improve the existing partnership for more groundbreaking achievements. So, we are on the same page on this objective.

“We also want you to support us in achieving this objective. We believe the aviation business thrives on safety and security. And it is this key component that is our own professional jurisdiction. That is the value we are bringing to the table. And with your support, we will do well, I believe,” he added.