The Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA) has disclosed that many airports and airspace facilities are yet to benefit from modern security technologies.

The agency said obsolete screening systems, inadequate perimeter fencing, poor surveillance coverage and limited access control systems expose key installations to avoidable threats, adding that the integration of physical and cyber-security systems remains suboptimal, limiting the ability to detect, deter, and respond to security breaches in real time.

Speaking during an aviation security stakeholders symposium themed ?Fundamentality of Aviation Security in Achieving Safe Skies,? put together by the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), Farouk Umar Ahmed, managing director/chief executive officer, NAMA said lack of synergy among security agencies despite the shared responsibility for securing aviation infrastructure, coordination among security agencies remains weak.

Ahmed said the absence of structured inter-agency communication channels, overlapping mandates, and fragmented incident response mechanisms continues to compromise the effectiveness of security operations at airports.

?This lack of synergy delays critical decision-making and hinders unified responses to security threats,? he added.

Ahmed who was represented by Rita Egbadon, director, Legal Services said the critical role of aviation security personnel is undermined by insufficient training, poor remuneration, and limited opportunities for career development.

?Several frontline officers are not conversant with evolving international security standards, while low morale continues to affect performance, vigilance, and professionalism.

?A growing concern is the deployment of inadequately qualified individuals into sensitive aviation security positions. These appointments often bypass necessary screening, certification, and background verification processes required by ICAO Annex 17 and national civil aviation regulations. The result is a vulnerability in the leadership and execution of security protocols at airports and related facilities,? he explained.

He suggested that there is a need to put in place a joint aviation security task force and create 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.

This task force, he suggested should convene regularly to share intelligence, develop joint action plans, conduct simulations, and issue coordinated advisories.

He also spoke on the need to prioritise investment in security infrastructure and federal and state authorities, in partnership with the private sector, must invest in modern aviation security equipment.

These he said 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 Program. The 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,? Ahmed explained. (BusinessDay)

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