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ICAO begins security audit of Lagos, Abuja airports

A team of International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) auditors arrived Abuja yesterday  to commence the 2024 ICAO Universal Security Audit Programme (USAP) through Continuous Monitoring Approach (CMA) for Lagos and Abuja airports.

The USAP CMA according to a statement by the Director of Public Affairs at Consumer Protection, Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), Mr Mike Achimogu will run for two  weeks and  terminate on March 22, 2024 .

Achimogu the audit 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).

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

In his opening remarks, the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Mr. Festus Keyamo, welcomed the team of auditors to Nigeria for the all-important mission.

According to the Minister, the Universal Security Audit Program represents a concerted effort to uphold the highest standards of security across all facets of Nigerias aviation industry.

Through rigorous assessments, comprehensive evaluations, and collaborative partnerships, Nigeria aims to fortify her defenses against evolving threats and vulnerabilities.

Mr. Keyamo who was represented by the Ministry's  Permanent Secretary, Dr. Emmanuel Meribole, while commending the dedication and diligence of all stakeholders, including regulatory bodies, security agencies, service providers and aviation security personnel whose unwavering commitment ensures the success of Nigerias aviation security endeavours, expressed hope that there will not be a Significant Security Concern.

The Acting Director General of Civil Aviation, Nigeria, Capt. Chris Ona Najomo, while delivering his opening address, welcome the ICAO auditors to the 2024 USAP CMA audit, stating 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 are 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  as part of the on-site auditing process, both Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), Lagos and Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport (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.

The Ag. DGCA promised to provide support and maximum cooperation towards ensuring a hitch-free exercise.

The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) is the nation’s statutory regulatory Authority responsible for the development, implementation and maintenance of National Civil Aviation Security Programme (NCASP).

To ensure Nigeria excels in the exercise which was last held in 2015, the Banjul Accord Group Aviation Safety Oversight Organization (BAGASOO) conducted Aviation Security (AVSEC) Mock Audit in both Lagos and Abuja airports between 4th and 7th March, 2024.