The International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) auditors have arrived Abuja, Nigeria, to start the 2024 ICAO Universal Security Audit Programme (USAP) through Continuous Monitoring Approach (CMA) for Lagos and the Abuja airports.
The objective of the audit is to ensure that the airports are safe and secure for flight operations, especially international flights and that passengers’ lives are protected while at the airports.
ICAO explained that the objective of the ICAO USAP was also to promote global aviation security through continuous auditing and monitoring of member States’ aviation security performance to enhance their aviation security compliance (Annex 17) and oversight capabilities.
The arrival of ICAO team of auditors was made known by the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) on Monday, in a statement.
According to NCAA, the Universal Security Audit Continuous Monitoring Approach would run for two weeks.
It noted that the exercise beginning from Monday would terminate on March 22, 2024.
NCAA added that the audit would cover the following areas: Inflight Security (IFS), Passenger and Baggage Security (PAX), Acts of Unlawful Interference (AUI), Facilitation (FAL), Legislation (LEG), Training (TRG), Quality Control Function (QCF), Operations (OPS) and Cargo, Mail and Catering (CGO).
It said that members of the four-man team are Callum Vine (team leader), James Mabala, Tebogo Mphela and Alagie Jeng.
The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Mr. Festus Keyamo, in his opening remarks, welcomed the team of auditors to Nigeria for the all-important mission.
He said that USAP represents a concerted effort to uphold the highest standards of security across all facets of Nigeria’s aviation industry. Through rigorous assessments, comprehensive evaluations, and collaborative partnerships, Nigeria aims to fortify her defenses against evolving threats and vulnerabilities.
Represented by the Ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Dr. Emmanuel Meribole, the minister commended the dedication and diligence of all stakeholders, including regulatory bodies, security agencies, service providers and aviation security personnel.
He said that their unwavering commitment had ensured the success of Nigeria’s aviation security endeavours, while expressing hope that there would not be a significant security concern.
The acting Director General of NCAA, Capt. Chris Najomo, in his opening address, welcomed the ICAO auditors to the 2024 USAP CMA audit.
He said that the objectives of the ICAO USAP CMA was to improve global aviation security (AVSEC) through auditing and the continuous monitoring of AVSEC performance of member states by assessing the level of effective implementation of critical elements of the States’ AVSEC oversight system which provides an indication of the sustainability of the State’s AVSEC system.
According to him, other objectives included to assess the indicative degree of compliance of the state with Annex 9 and 17 bothering on facilitation to the convention on international civil aviation and AVSEC standards and security-related standards respectively.
Najomo said that as part of the on-site auditing process, both the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), Lagos and the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport (NAIA), Abuja have been selected as airports where verification of the implementation of security measures will be carried out.
