The Federal Executive Council (FEC), under the leadership of President Bola Tinubu, has sanctioned a budget of N985 million for the acquisition of body scanners to be installed at the international airports in Abuja and Lagos. This decision was disclosed by Lateef Fagbemi, the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of the Federation, during a media briefing with State House correspondents after the FEC meeting held on Tuesday.
Fagbemi elaborated that three proposals were presented for approval during the meeting. Among these was the procurement of two units of body scanners designated for the Abuja and Lagos International Airports at a total cost of N985 million.
“Other approved items include the procurement of CNG-powered vehicles and firearms and ammunition for the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA),” Fagbemi stated.
“In addition, on June 24, the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) inaugurated 120 officers for the aviation security (AVSEC) special force aimed at securing assets and lives at the airports,” he added.
Festus Keyamo, the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, remarked that the establishment of this special force is a strategic move to combat touting and other unlawful activities around Nigeria’s airports.
Olubunmi Kuku, the Managing Director of FAAN, also commented on the newly inducted AVSEC personnel. She mentioned that these officers would initially be assigned to five international airports: Lagos, Abuja, Port Harcourt, Kano, and Enugu. Kuku emphasized that the next phase would focus on improving coordination. She highlighted an ongoing campaign to ensure that airport personnel conduct themselves in a manner that is both acceptable and visible to passengers.
In a related development, the Nigerian Immigration Service has started installing electronic gates (e-gates) at Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos. This initiative is part of a significant effort to enhance national security, streamline the passenger processing system, and facilitate better business operations in Nigeria.
The e-gate project is a comprehensive border control management solution that incorporates biometric verification methods such as facial or iris recognition, fingerprints, or a combination of these techniques. Successful biometric verification allows the gate or turnstile to open, granting passage. Conversely, failed verifications or system malfunctions will result in denied access.
These initiatives signify a broader commitment by the Nigerian government to bolster security and efficiency within the country’s major airports. The procurement of advanced body scanners and the formation of the AVSEC special force are expected to significantly improve the security landscape, providing better protection for both airport assets and the lives of travelers. Moreover, the introduction of e-gates will likely streamline the entry and exit process at the airports, making it quicker and more secure for passengers.
Overall, these efforts underscore a proactive approach towards modernizing Nigeria’s aviation infrastructure and enhancing the overall experience for airport users. The focus on high-tech security solutions and well-trained personnel highlights a forward-thinking strategy aimed at addressing the evolving challenges of airport security and management.
