Group Capt. Usman Sadiq, the Director of Aviation Security Service (DASS), Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), has urged the Federal Government to acquire more modern equipment to strength security at the nation’s airports.
Sadiq gave the advice in his address of welcome at the national Aviation Security (AVSEC) Day and Awards 2021 in Abuja, on Thursday.
The theme of the event was: “Professional work force: Pre-requisite for building an effective security culture.”
The event aimed at promoting security culture at airports across the country, in line with International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO)’s declaration of the year 2021 as the year of security culture (YOSC).
According to him such move would increase the capacity to tackle insecurity at the airports.
“In order to effectively secure the airports as required by both National and International laws, the provision of additional and modern equipment cannot be overemphasized.
“Also important is the need for additional patrol vehicles fitted with modern communication gadgets, provision of more man-power, especially at the lower cadre between Grade Levels 4-6 and more night guards.
“Purchase of new x-ray equipment to replace the obsolete ones. Also, AVSEC officers need to be kept abreast of global best practices, through adequate training both within and outside Nigeria.
“I, therefore, seek for continued support/assistance of the Honourable Minister of Aviation, and the Managing Director/Chief Executive, all Directors and other security agencies to tackle these ever-evolving threats and challenges,” he said.
He categorically stated that personnel of the aviation security had been in the forefront of securing the airports’ environment, facilities and fight against the spread of COVID-19, since its emergence in Nigeria, such that no major incident had been recorded in our airports regarding COVID-19.
“This is largely associated with the high demonstration of professionalism exhibited by the AVSEC Department in the conduct of their responsibilities, and co-operation enjoyed from other stakeholders, especially other security agencies.
“We (therefore) seek for more collaborative efforts/synergy, “ the director added.
Sadiq appealed to government to expand the current AVSEC organogram to give room for additional departments, headed by General Managers (GMs), in order to cope with the volume of assignments and for better performance and efficiency.
He cited AVSEC as the largest Directorate, with the highest number of senior staff, saddled with enormous responsibilities.
“Presently, there are three Departments headed by GMs, they include Aviation Security Operations, Technical Services, and Administration and Logistics.
“I, therefore, wish to request that Intelligence and Investigation, Standards and Compliance, as well as Liaison/Research and Development units, be upgraded to the status of Departments and also headed by General Managers.
“More so, due to increased medical challenges experienced by some AVSEC operatives on duty, I appeal that on-airport residential quarters (Mess) be constructed for aviation security officers while on duty,” he said.
The director stated that the officers on duty could use the residential quarters for refreshment in situations of extended working hours, and that this provision could serve as motivation to officers to regain expended energy and improve performance.
“Let me use this opportunity to pay my respects to all of our departed colleagues, whose enormous contributions have led to the growth of the Directorate; may their souls continue rest in peace. Amen.
“It is my sincere desire that AVSEC Directorate remains at the cutting edge of the global scene, “ he said.
He commended the Minister of Aviation, Sen. Hadi Sirika, for his undaunted resolve to reposition the Aviation Industry and for the change in nomenclature from Directorate of Security Services (DSS) to Directorate of Aviation Security Services (DASS).
The change draws a clear distinction between the Department of State Services and Directorate of Security Services, and emphasizes its core mandate, which is Aviation Security (safe guarding Civil Aviation).
The director further commended Sirika for his conscientious and deliberate commitment to growth and development of the aviation industry, particularly Aviation Security.
“I also wish to thank the Managing Director/Chief Executive FAAN for his unflinching support to the improvement of Aviation Security,” he added.
