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Security: FG moves to address perimeter fences challenges around airports

The Federal Government has said it is working on addressing challenges related to damaged, incomplete and non-existent perimeter fences across the airports in the country.

The Minister of Aviation, Sen. Hadi Sirika made this known in a statement issued in Lagos on Monday.

The minister disclosed this during the maiden edition of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), Airports Council International (ACI) Africa, Security Week open in Abuja on Monday.

The minister said the federal government was committed to solve the airport perimeter fence issue because it served as the first layer of defence and it would also minimise attacks, prevent incursion and enhance general security.

Sirika said it was planning to construct shooting ranges at major airports in as part of measures to train aviation security personnel in the industry.

The minister, who was represented by the Director General, Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), Capt Musa Nuhu said the moves was to ensure that civil aviation in the country does not suffer acts of unlawful interference and security violations.

Sirika said: “We are working with FAAN and other stakeholders to quickly actualise the approval of the FEC for Aviation Security personnel to bear arms.

“We are currently addressing the challenges related to damaged, incomplete and non-existent perimeter fences at Nigeria.

“This is because the fence served as the first layer of defence, which will minimise attacks, prevent incursion and enhance general security.”

On his part, Managing Director, FAAN, Capt. Rabiu Yadudu, said FAAN was strengthening its collaboration with host communities towards building a robust security culture in and around the airports.

Yadudu said aviation was technology driven and so the acquisition of new security equipment was to improve on the older systems of doing things was ongoing.

He said: “Aviation is technology driven, state of the art screening and surveillance systems are currently replacing old and epileptic systems.

“This is to improve efficiency and assure satisfactory customer experience while enhancing security of flights, crew and passengers”

“FAAN has also strengthened its collaboration with host communities more than ever before and will continue to constructively engage them as critical partners in our journey towards building a robust security culture in and around our airports.

“Our security communication is receiving the needed attention for operational efficiency and the next generation of AVSEC instructors is being identified, developed and certified.”

Also speaking, FAAN Director of Aviation Security Services, Group Capt. Usman Abubakar (rtd), said government should consider the formation of a Rapid Response Squad around the airports in the country.

Abubakar said the security outfit would be capable of providing timely and professional interventions in any crisis and distress situations in the airports.

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