The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) has unveiled plans to gradually replace all single-view scanners with standard double-view scanners at the major international airports across the country.
Olubunmi Kuku, managing director of FAAN, disclosed recently in Lagos, during a strategic meeting with the executives and members of Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON).
In her presentation with the title: ‘Strategic Drive for Enhanced Airport and Aviation Security in Nigeria,’ she said that the replacement of the single-view scanners with standard double-view scanners was part of the equipment and technology modernisation embarked upon by the management of FAAN.
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According to her, this also improves security and facilitation at all the airports, reduces screening time at peak periods, enhances passenger experience, supports airlines and reduces turnaround time for all operators.
Nigeria has five international airports; the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), Lagos, Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport (NAIA), Abuja, Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport (MAKIA), Port Harcourt International Airport (PHIA), Omegwa and Akanu Ibiam International Airport (AIIA), Enugu.
Besides, Kuku explained that the management had also recently concluded assessment of required cabin, baggage and cargo scanners required across all the nation’s airports.
Besides, Kuku posited that the management of FAAN was also increasing the number of Liquid Explosive Detector Equipment (LEDE) across the nation’s airports.
She added: “We are also upgrading the x-ray scanners to explosive detection systems-enabled types. Also, we are carrying out the automation of the On-Duty-Card (ODC) application, processing and issuance.
“Besides, plans are also ongoing for scanners with hybrid capacity to detect explosives, narcotics and currencies. This is to fast-track implementation of automated joint search involving Aviation Security (AVSEC), the National Drug Law enforcement Agency (NDLEA) and the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS).”
Kuku, however, mentioned infrastructure deficiencies, safety concerns, financial instability, high operational costs, insecurity, terrorism and sabotage, theft and vandalism of installations and growing civil unrest, among others as some of the threats inhibiting the growth of the industry at large.
She added: “The directorate has continued to strive towards meeting its statutory responsibilities regarding security at our airports and will continue to improve its performance aimed at ensuring better efficiency in delivery on its mandate.”
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In his response, Allen Onyema, vice chairman, AON, commended Kuku and her management for their sincere efforts to bring about positive changes at the federal airports under its control.
Onyema said that AON members were happy to see how FAAN and Festus Keyamo, minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, had approached airport management with a deep sense of responsibility.
He said: “When government does what is wrong, you can say it, but what is happening in FAAN is commendable. The desire to do good is very, very transparent. You can see it. So, why won’t we have confidence in the system? This is no more fighting time; this is time for collaboration.”
