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On Monday, the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) initiated a security audit of the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA) in Lagos and the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport (NAIA) in Abuja.
The 2024 ICAO Universal Security Audit Programme (USAP) through Continuous Monitoring Approach (CMA) for Lagos and Abuja airports has commenced, and the USAP CMA is scheduled to conclude on March 22, 2024.
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The audit will cover various aspects, including 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).
The four-man team of auditors includes Callum Vine (team lead), James Mabala, Tebogo Mphela, and Alagie Jeng. The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) released a statement indicating that the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, welcomed the auditors to Nigeria.
He emphasized that the Universal Security Audit Program is a collective effort to maintain the highest security standards throughout Nigeria’s aviation industry.
Represented by the ministry’s permanent secretary, Dr. Emmanuel Meribole, Keyamo commended the dedication of stakeholders, including regulatory bodies, security agencies, service providers, and aviation security personnel.
The minister expressed the country’s commitment to strengthen defenses against evolving threats and vulnerabilities through comprehensive evaluations and collaborative partnerships. Capt. Chris Najomo, the Acting Director General of Civil Aviation, Nigeria, outlined the objectives of the ICAO USAP CMA, focusing on improving global aviation security through auditing and continuous monitoring.
The audit will assess the effective implementation of critical elements of the States’ aviation security oversight system and compliance with Annex 9 and 17 of the Convention on International Civil Aviation.
As part of the on-site auditing process, MMIA in Lagos and NAIA in Abuja were selected for the verification of security measures’ implementation.
Capt. Najomo expressed optimism that Nigeria would surpass its previous rating, considering the progressive transformations in the industry and the administration’s commitment to ensuring secure, safe, and efficient air transportation in the country.
