The Federal Government has directed the implementation of a one-stop joint-interest screening system across Nigerian airports as part of efforts to strengthen security, improve efficiency, and enhance passenger safety.
The acting Regional Manager for the North-Central zone of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), Ahmadu Danjuma, disclosed this in Abuja on Sunday, explaining that the directive was issued by the Office of the National Security Adviser as part of broader measures to safeguard critical national infrastructure.
Mr Danjuma said the new system is designed to create a centralised screening process where multiple security and regulatory agencies work together at a single checkpoint to screen passengers, cargo, and airport personnel. He explained that the approach eliminates duplication of procedures, reduces congestion, and ensures a more coordinated and effective security operation.
According to him, the system integrates the responsibilities of agencies such as immigration, customs, and airport security into a unified structure, allowing for faster processing while maintaining strict security standards. He added that the reform aligns with global aviation security practices and reflects the government’s commitment to modernising Nigeria’s airport operations.
Beyond the screening system, Mr Danjuma revealed that FAAN has intensified surveillance across airports nationwide by deploying additional security personnel and installing modern security equipment, including X-ray machines and advanced L3 scanning machines at major airports. These upgrades, he said, are part of ongoing efforts to detect and prevent potential threats before they escalate.
He also noted that routine patrols have been strengthened along airport perimeter fences, with joint operations involving multiple security agencies to monitor and secure airport environments. According to him, these coordinated efforts are aimed at reassuring the public of the safety and integrity of Nigeria’s aviation sector.
Mr Danjuma further stated that FAAN has improved intelligence gathering and perimeter protection to prevent unauthorised access by herders, stray livestock, and intruders, which have posed challenges to airport security in the past. He explained that these measures are part of a broader strategy to eliminate vulnerabilities around critical aviation infrastructure.
He emphasized that the agency has invested in training and capacity building for its personnel, alongside the integration of advanced technology, to meet international aviation security standards. These steps, he said, are necessary to keep Nigeria’s airports aligned with global best practices.
In addition, Mr Danjuma disclosed that the Federal Government has approved the use of firearms by aviation security personnel as part of efforts to enhance their operational capacity in responding to threats. He said this move is aimed at strengthening deterrence and improving the ability of security operatives to respond swiftly to potential breaches.
He also highlighted a mandatory training requirement introduced by the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), known as the Basic STP123 AVSEC course, which all aviation security personnel must complete before deployment. The programme is designed to equip personnel with essential skills and knowledge to handle aviation security challenges effectively.
The training covers a wide range of critical areas, including identifying security threats, ensuring safe operations within airport environments, managing communication and inter-agency collaboration, controlling movement of people and vehicles, and detecting restricted or dangerous items such as explosives. It also includes passenger, baggage, and cargo screening procedures, as well as emergency response training for security incidents and airport crises.
Mr Danjuma explained that the course serves as a foundational requirement for aviation security personnel and is essential for maintaining consistency and professionalism in airport security operations across the country.
He further stated that the ongoing reforms reflect the government’s determination to strengthen aviation security through a combination of technology, personnel development, and inter-agency collaboration. According to him, these measures are expected to improve overall safety standards and significantly reduce the risk of security breaches.
Assuring travelers, Mr Danjuma said passengers can expect safer, more secure, and more efficient airport operations nationwide as the new measures take full effect. He expressed confidence that the reforms will not only enhance security but also improve the overall travel experience for both domestic and international passengers.
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