The International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) has commenced an audit of the Murtala Muhammad International Airport (MMIA) and Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport (NAIA), Abuja.
The team of auditors arrived Abuja, yesterday to commence the audit tagged the 2024 ICAO Universal Security Audit Programme (USAP) through Continuous Monitoring Approach (CMA).
The USAP CMA which will run for two (2) weeks will terminate on the 22nd March, 2024, according to the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), the regulatory authority supervising the audit.
Daily Trust reports that the audit was last held in 2015 even as the MMIA and NAIA, two of the flagship airports in Nigeria, remain uncertified.
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The ongoing audit will cover areas such as 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).
Sources say the areas are critical to the impending certification of Lagos and Abuja airports which has been pending for years
Members of the four-man team are Callum Vine (team lead), James Mabala, Tebogo Mphela and Alagie Jeng.
Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Mr. Festus Keyamo, who welcomed the team of auditors said the Universal Security Audit Program represents a concerted effort to uphold the highest standards of security across all facets of Nigeria’s aviation industry.
The Acting Director General of Civil Aviation, Nigeria, Capt. Chris Ona Najomo stated that, as part of the on-site auditing process, both Lagos and Abuja airports have been selected as airports where verification of the implementation of security measures will be carried out.
He, however, expressed optimism that Nigeria will surpass last rating with the progressive transformations that have taken place in the industry since the last exercise and considering the level of commitment of the current administration to ensure secure, safe and efficient air transportation in Nigeria.
