BY OLAPEJU OLUBI
To fortify Nigeria’s aviation security architecture, the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), in collaboration with the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), has launched a five-day national workshop focused on enhancing quality control under the Universal Security Audit Programme Continuous Monitoring Approach (USAP-CMA).
The technical workshop, which began on Monday, July 21, 2025, at the NCAA Lagos Regional Office, is designed to elevate the country’s Aviation Security (AVSEC) oversight system by addressing previous audit findings and aligning local practices with global aviation security standards.
Speaking at the opening ceremony, the Director-General of Civil Aviation, Captain Chris Najomo—represented by NCAA Lagos Regional Manager, Barr. Olubukola Aduragbemi Terriba—described the initiative as a proactive response to the gaps identified during the ICAO USAP-CMA audit conducted in March 2024.
“The training is designed to enable stakeholders develop actionable strategies to improve the outcomes of ICAO’s security audit. This includes strengthening quality control measures, managing AVSEC-related crises more efficiently, and ensuring all aviation security measures are grounded in comprehensive risk assessment,” Captain Najomo said.
ICAO’s AVSEC Regional Officer for West and Central Africa, Mr. Ademola Oladele, also addressed participants, reaffirming ICAO’s commitment to supporting Nigeria’s aviation development. He noted that Nigeria plays a pivotal role in the region’s aviation ecosystem and emphasized the importance of strengthening its security framework.
“Nigeria is among the most active aviation hubs on the continent. Strengthening its aviation security capabilities is not just a national priority, but a regional necessity,” Oladele stated.
The workshop brought together key stakeholders from the aviation security community, including NCAA’s AVSEC Director, Dr. Ben Omogo, officials from the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), airline representatives, and technical personnel from NCAA’s AVSEC department.
By the end of the training, participants are expected to adopt a more robust, risk-based approach to aviation security, reinforce compliance with ICAO Annex 17 standards, and enhance Nigeria’s readiness for future audits—further positioning the country as a leader in aviation security oversight in Africa.
