The Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA), Engr. Farouk Umar Ahmed has identified the lack of synergy and collaboration among Security Agencies despite the shared responsibility for securing aviation infrastructure, coordination among security agencies as one of the major problems facing aviation security in the country.
Speaking during the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority, NCAA, security stakeholders symposium with the theme: Fundamentalist of aviation security in achieving the safe skies goal held at Radisson Blu Hotel, Ikeja, Engr. Farouk pointed out that
the absence of structured inter-agency communication channels, overlapping mandates, and fragmented incident response mechanisms have continued to compromise the effectiveness of security operations at airports.
Farouk who was represented by Mrs Rita Egbadon,
Director of Legal Services of NAMA stated that lack of synergy delays critical decision-making and hinders unified responses to security threats.
He said the symposium presents a timely opportunity for aviation security stakeholders to share perspectives, strengthen cooperation, and collectively chart a proactive course towards addressing emerging threats.
NAMA boss observed that to truly achieve the “Safe Skies” objective, aviation security must transition from a reactive to a proactive paradigm-grounded body in collaboration, competence, and continuous investment.
He affirmed that NAMA stands ready to work with all stakeholders to protect our skies, people, and infrastructure.
While commending the NCAA for convening the high-level forum , Farouk reaffirmed NAMA’s full support towards a secure and integrated national aviation security strategy.
NAMA boss outlined other factor militating against aviation security to include Inadequate Investment in security infrastructure and equipment.
According to him: “Many airports and airspace facilities are yet to benefit from modern security technologies. Obsolete screening systems, inadequate perimeter fencing, poor surveillance coverage. and limited access control systems expose key installations to avoidable threats. The integration of physical and cyber-security systems remains suboptimal, limiting the ability to detect, deter, and respond to security breaches in real time “.
He also identified capacity gaps and poor motivation among aviation security personnel.
Farouk stated that the critical role of aviation security personnel is undermined by insufficient training, poor remuneration, and limited opportunities for career development.
He explained that “several frontline officers are not conversant with evolving international security standards, while low morale continues to affect performance, vigilance, and professionalism”.
He noted that recruitment of unqualified personnel into sensitive security roles is a growing concern is the deployment of inadequately qualified individuals into sensitive aviation security positions.
Farouk maintained that these appointments often bypass necessary screening, certification, and background verification processes required by ICAO Annex 17 and national civil aviation regulation which may result to vulnerability in the leadership and execution of security protocols at airports and related facilities.
NAMA MD recommended that to address the
challenges and strengthen aviation security in line with international best practices, there is the need to Institutionalise a Joint Aviation Security Task Force, including the creation of a National Aviation Security Coordination Framework, anchored by the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria, FAAN and regularly inspected or audited by NCAA
to drive seamless collaboration among all security stakeholders.
He said this task force should convene regularly to share intelligence, develop joint action plans, conduct simulations, issue coordinated advisories .
NAMA boss while emphasising the need to prioritize Investment in Security Infrastructure, said federal and state authorities,
in partnership with the private sector, must invest in modern aviation security equipment.
” This includes biometric access systems, smart surveillance solutions, integrated command centres, and advanced threat detection tools. Funding mechanisms should be developed to ensure sustained upgrades and maintenance . Adopt a Comprehensive Capacity-Building and Incentive Programme Security personnel should undergo recurrent training accredited by ICAO and relevant bodies. Training must cover not only physical security but also cyber security, behavioural detection, and emergency response Additionally, structured motivation frameworks- including health benefits, hazard allowances, and career progression plans-should be introduced to retain top talent, he stated.
He listed other recommendations to include enforcement of Merit-Based Recruitment and Certification Standards, stressing that all recruitment into aviation security roles must strictly comply with prescribed certification, background verification, and competency criteria and a centralized vetting system established by NCAA in conjunction with the recruiting agency to verify qualifications and monitor compliance across all agencies and operators
