A group of experts from the International Civil Aviation Organization, the United Nations agency responsible for overseeing the global aviation sector, has arrived in Nigeria to conduct security assessments of the Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos and the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja.
The audit will encompass essential areas of aviation security, including Inflight Security, Passenger and Baggage Security, Acts of Unlawful Interference, Facilitation, Legislation, Training, Quality Control Function, Operations, and Cargo, Mail, and Catering.
Dubbed the 2024 ICAO Universal Security Audit Programme through Continuous Monitoring Approach for Lagos and Abuja airports, this initiative was revealed in a statement issued by Michael Achimugu, Director of Public Affairs & Consumer Protection, on Monday.
Scheduled to last nearly two weeks, the USAP CMA audit is expected to conclude on March 22, 2024. The four-member team leading the audit consists of Callum Vine, James Mabala, Tebogo Mphela, and Alagie Jeng.
Mr. Festus Keyamo, the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, emphasized the significance of the audit in maintaining the highest standards of security within Nigeria’s aviation sector.
Keyamo emphasized that the audit reflects a unified commitment to maintaining the highest security standards across all aspects of Nigeria’s aviation industry.
Through thorough assessments, comprehensive evaluations, and collaborative partnerships, Nigeria seeks to strengthen its defenses against evolving threats and vulnerabilities.
Acting Director General of the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority, Chris Najomo, extended a warm welcome to the ICAO auditors and underscored the objectives of the USAP CMA.
He explained that the audit aims to enhance global aviation security by assessing and continuously monitoring member states’ AVSEC performance, evaluating the level of effective implementation of critical elements within their AVSEC oversight systems, which serves as an indicator of the sustainability of each state’s AVSEC system.
Najomo also outlined other objectives, including evaluating a country’s compliance with ICAO’s Annex 9 and 17, which pertain to Facilitation and AVSEC standards, integral components of the Convention on International Civil Aviation.
“As part of the on-site auditing process, both Murtala Muhammed International Airport Lagos and Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport Abuja have been selected as airports where verification of the implementation of security measures will be carried out,” the statement partly read.
He conveyed confidence in Nigeria’s enhanced security measures since the previous audit and pledged the ICAO auditors full cooperation for a smooth process.
Furthermore, he expressed optimism that Nigeria would surpass its previous rating due to the progressive changes implemented in the industry since the last assessment. He also highlighted the current administration’s dedication to ensuring secure, safe, and efficient air transportation in Nigeria.
Najomo reiterated his commitment to offering support and maximum cooperation to ensure a seamless exercise.