Stakeholders kick as FG directs civil defence to beef up security at airport

Abiola Seun

Stakeholders in the nation’s aviation sector have kicked against the directive of the Ministry of Interior to the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), to beef up security across the nation’s airports over threat of bandits attack.

In a circular dated 15th April, 2021, the minister of Interior, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola has directed the Commandant – General of NSCDC to upgrade the existing security measures around the Nation’s airports in the interim, to prevent such threats.

The memo MI/JSD/16012/S. 797/Vol.IV/, signed by Director (Joint Services) P. 0 Egbodo, for the Minister of Interior, requested the Corps to liaise and partner with all Airports Management nationwide.

The circular reads, “RE: LOOMING THREAT OF ATTACK ON NATION’S AIRPORTS. I am directed to forward herewith letter from the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) with Ref. No. NSA/366/S dated 6th April, 2021 on the above subject and to request you to liaise/partner with all Airports Management nationwide and other stakeholders to upgrade the existing security measures around the Nation’s airports in the interim, to prevent such threats. Please accept the assurances of the warm regards of the Minister.”

Speaking, the Secretary-General, Aviation Round Table (ART), Group Captain John Ojikutu (rtd), queried the directive asking for the role of the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) on the planned security programme.

He said, “Where is the NCAA in all these or where are the Directives on the Nigeria Civil Aviation Security Programmes?

.”This is how the national security architecture is being distorted. This is the responsibility of the NCAA, which is the responsible aviation authority on all government agencies working in the airport. So sorry for us all,” he lamented.