Streamlining Security: FAAN and ONSA to Reduce Baggage Checks at Nigerian Airports
The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) and the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) have reached an agreement to minimize the presence of military and paramilitary personnel at Nigeria’s international airports, aiming to streamline security processes and enhance passenger convenience.
Investigations have revealed that the multiple physical inspections of passengers’ baggage by these personnel often lead to delays and inconvenience for travelers. In response, the government has initiated measures to revamp security and travel protocols at the nation’s gateways, emphasizing a commitment to ensuring smoother passenger facilitation at airports.
Complaints have been mounting over the years regarding the excessive baggage checks conducted by various security agencies within airport terminals. Aviation industry experts have advocated for a more efficient approach, proposing a reduction in personnel numbers and the adoption of centralized inspection procedures to minimize the handling of passengers’ belongings.
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Mrs. Olubunmi Kuku, the Managing Director of FAAN, expressed concern over the situation and highlighted ongoing efforts to address it. Collaborative efforts between FAAN and ONSA include the establishment of a joint coordination room equipped with CCTV cameras to enhance surveillance and optimize security operations.
Mrs. Kuku acknowledged the challenges posed by the multiple baggage checks and assured the public of initiatives to improve the situation. While emphasizing the importance of security measures, she outlined plans to implement short-term interventions, such as reducing the number of agencies involved in routine checks, and long-term strategies, including the utilization of advanced surveillance technology to minimize physical inspections.
Furthermore, Mrs. Kuku clarified that the opening of passengers’ baggage serves specific security purposes, citing concerns regarding scanning devices from certain countries. She assured passengers of ongoing efforts to enhance security measures while minimizing disruptions to their travel experiences.
In conclusion, the collaboration between FAAN and ONSA reflects a concerted effort to optimize security protocols at Nigerian airports, with a focus on enhancing efficiency and passenger satisfaction.
