The federal government says it is upgrading security measures in airports across Nigeria to prevent terrorist acts and other crimes. 

Rabiu Yadudu, the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), disclosed that the government was deploying additional technology to advance aviation security in the nation’s airports.

“As we speak, bi-metallic security fence with anti-climb has been installed in airports like Benin, Ilorin, Ibadan and Port Harcourt. The upgrade of the CCTV surveillance monitoring systems has been concluded and operational at the MMIA and four other international airports, while efforts are ongoing to provide the same level of coverage for the domestic airports,” Mr Yadudud explained. “The huge investments in technological equipment has been matched by capacity building in terms of recruitment and training.”

Mr Yadudu stated this at the national Aviation Security (AVSEC) Day and Awards 2021, in Abuja, on Thursday.

According to him, the unprecedented sophistication which advanced technology had brought into crime across the globe was a worrisome trend, especially terrorism, cybercrime, insider threat, among others.

He explained that such a move by the government would help it improve its strategies to curb insecurity in the aviation industry.

He added that the objective of Civil Aviation Security was to assure the safety of passengers, crew, ground personnel, the general public, aircraft and facilities of an airport serving civil aviation against acts of unlawful interference perpetrated on the ground or in flight.

He said terminals at Abuja, Kano and Port Harcourt had been commissioned, while Enugu and Lagos were in the final stages, awaiting commissioning.

“These terminals have not only transformed passengers’ experience, but they have also enabled the country to showcase its rising profile with regards to the modernization of existing facilities capable of comparison to anywhere in the world,” Mr Yadudu noted. “The days of critical remarks about our airports and the state of the facilities are fast declining into the past.”

(NAN)