BY OLAPEJU OLUBI
Following endless complaints and frustrations of air travellers arising from frequent security breaches and poor coordination at various airports in Nigeria, the Director of Aviation Security Services (AVSEC), Afegbai Albert Igbafe, has unveiled a series of initiatives aimed at addressing the gaps.
During a recent briefing, Igbafe highlighted the strides made by his team since assuming office, focusing on critical security upgrades and future plans to ensure the safety of both passengers and airport personnel.
According to him, one of the primary concerns upon taking office was the scathing outcome of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) audit, which exposed several vulnerabilities in the airport security system.
“We encountered numerous issues, particularly in surveillance and access control, which we have been working to rectify. Upgrading the CCTV systems was one of our initial steps and now we’re moving towards implementing a comprehensive access control system,” Igbafe stated.
He added that the new effort is expected to rigorously monitor and regulate all individuals entering the airport premises and ultimately addressing the problem of unauthorised access by concessionaires and security personnel.
He explained that perimeter security has long been a contentious issue, with the vast expanse surrounding the airports posing significant challenges.
Igbafe acknowledged the ongoing struggle with encroachments and frequent breaches of the perimeter fencing.
“When we came on board, we found extensive encroachments, and despite limited resources, we intensified night patrols and established observation posts manned by AVSEC personnel. Joint patrols with the military and Air Force have also been instituted,” he explained.
The AVSEC Director further noted that the introduction of mobile courts, in collaboration with the various state’s Attorney General, was also being pursued to swiftly prosecute individuals caught trespassing on airport property.
In response to allegations of private airlines being involved in money laundering, Igbafe assured that stringent monitoring mechanisms were being enforced.
“Recently, the Minister launched a task force, who are currently investigating private jet owners. When you are talking about money laundering, it is a different ball game because we are talking about private jet owners.
“We had a meeting with the NSA, who gave us some guidance and gave us some instructions and gave us some orders that we are following through the Minister and the Managing Director. But we are monitoring them. With the task force in place, what we want to do first of all now is to make sure all the private jet owners adhere to the rules of FAAN, whereby everybody that is coming through their hangers will be properly screened by the AVSEC personnel. That is being worked out”, he explained.
Looking ahead, Igbafe emphasised the role of technology in enhancing airport security and called for strategic efforts in that regard.
“We are exploring the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in our access control systems. This technology will enable us to detect weapons or other suspicious items and immediately alert the command center,” he noted,
Indicating that these advancements are part of a broader strategy to modernise Nigeria’s aviation security.
Since taking over, Igbafe said he has also addressed internal challenges within AVSEC, including the lack of formal recognition for the personnel’s uniforms and the outdated training regime.
“It was shocking to discover that AVSEC uniforms were not gazetted and many staff members had not received training. AVSEC personnel were not being trained.
Some people five years, 10 years, 15 years ago. Some people have been in AVSEC for about 20 years, they’ve not gone on the course. So, with the assistance of the MD and the minister, they released funds.
“Even presently, as I am talking now, we have Ghanaians, Sierra Leoneans, Gambians who are attending courses in our ASTC, which is the aviation security training center because we happen to be one of the security outfits or one of the countries that is certified by ICAO.
“So, we have achieved a lot. When we came, the second international runway had been closed for over nine months. And we tried our best, the MD, the Minister, the Director of Airport Operations and the Director of Engineering. They all put heads together and it was reopened,” Igbafe revealed.
As these initiatives take shape, he expressed confidence in the transformative impact they will have on Nigeria’s aviation sector.
“By the end of this year, the public will witness a new era in aviation security, with our airports setting new standards for safety and efficiency,” he assured.
