Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development in Nigeria, Festus Keyamo on Monday made a major statement regarding airport security procedures. In an interview on Arise News' "This Morning" program, Keyamo emphasized that the Department of State Services (DSS) should not be involved in searching passengers' bags at airports.
He asserted that such activities fall outside the core responsibilities of the DSS, which is primarily tasked with profiling individuals who may pose security risks, particularly those traveling abroad.
Keyamo's remarks come amid growing concerns about the efficiency and effectiveness of airport security checks in Nigeria. The presence of multiple agencies at airports, including the DSS, NDLEA, Customs, and Quarantine, has been cited as a cause of long queues and passenger inconvenience.
Keyamo acknowledged these challenges, noting that his ministry does not have direct control over these agencies, which were established before his tenure. However, he expressed a commitment to streamlining operations to reduce bottlenecks and improve the passenger experience.
In line with this objective, Keyamo announced several reforms aimed at enhancing airport security while minimizing passenger harassment. One of the key measures includes dismantling the "joint inspection table," a station previously manned by multiple agencies, which often led to delays and traveler frustration.
Instead, officers from these agencies will now monitor screening machines and conduct searches only when items appear suspicious. This shift towards intelligence-based searches and individual profiling is expected to expedite passenger processing and reduce unnecessary delays.
Furthermore, Keyamo highlighted the importance of utilizing technology to enhance security measures. He pointed out that the screening machines at airports are sufficient to detect suspicious items, thereby eliminating the need for manual bag searches unless absolutely necessary. This approach not only aligns with global best practices but also ensures that security personnel can focus on more critical tasks, such as identifying potential threats.
To further streamline operations, Customs officials will be relocated to Aviation Security (AVSEC) screening points for money declarations, while DSS and Immigration personnel will share counters to minimize checkpoints for outbound passengers. Dedicated profiling rooms will be set up in Terminals 1 and 2, featuring real-time screens displaying officer details to improve transparency and accountability.
In addition to these structural changes, Keyamo announced the launch of "Operation Air Clean," an initiative by the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) aimed at tackling corruption, curbing illicit activities, and enhancing the overall passenger experience at Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA) and the General Aviation Terminal (GAT).
This operation includes measures such as secure spaces for visitors, improved lighting, clear signage for a three-minute pickup rule, and free Wi-Fi access. A timed parking system will be introduced at GAT, with regulated car-hire vehicles and strict measures to eliminate touting and passenger harassment, ensuring a safer and more organized environment.
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