The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria is implementing access control measures to address ICAO-identified security gaps across Nigerian airports. Director of Aviation Security Services, Afegbai Igbafe, stated that one of the key challenges is the presence of unauthorized personnel and concessionaires who are gaining unrestricted access to restricted areas of the airport.
“When we came on board, we had to tackle the findings of the ICAO audit, which provided detailed assessments and marks,” Igbafe explained. “We encountered various issues upon arrival, but we immediately began addressing them by upgrading critical infrastructure, including CCTV cameras.” These upgrades were a crucial first step in modernizing airport security. Now, FAAN is focusing on implementing access control measures to ensure that every individual entering the airport undergoes proper screening. He emphasized that many concessionaires and security personnel, who should not have access, were entering and exiting freely. FAAN designed access control measures to bring this situation under control and significantly strengthen the security landscape.
Furthermore, ICAO audits revealed gaps that extend beyond just access control.
Speaking on encroachment and perimeter security, Igbafe noted the alarming number of intruders breaching the airport’s perimeter on a nightly basis. “FAAN Aviation Security deals with as many as 20 to 30 intruders every night,” he revealed. The ongoing issue of perimeter fencing compounds FAAN’s most significant challenges. “When we came on board, we confronted substantial encroachments in perimeter areas due to the vastness of land surrounding the airports,” Igbafe said. Despite limited resources, FAAN implemented night patrols and observation posts, monitored by AVSEC personnel, to secure these areas. In addition, FAAN now regularly conducts joint patrols with the military, the Air Force, and AVSEC to deter intrusions.
In an effort to further tighten security, FAAN recently launched an armed AVSEC unit to respond to escalating perimeter issues. However, the main problem remains the state of the perimeter fencing, which is often damaged by neighboring communities. “This creates a significant challenge, as we regularly face attempts by 20 to 30 intruders trying to breach the perimeter fence every night,” Igbafe explained.
Unfortunately, even after apprehending these intruders, the legal process creates its own difficulties. “We hand these individuals to the police, but they often release them quickly due to legal loopholes,” Igbafe lamented. To combat this, FAAN’s Legal Department is working closely with the Attorney General of the state to establish mobile courts. We expect these mobile courts to expedite the prosecution process, ensure swifter justice for intruders, and curb the issue effectively.
Additionally, FAAN is looking to integrate new technologies to further improve airport security. Igbafe said, “We are exploring advanced perimeter surveillance systems to complement the current access control and security measures.” These solutions will enhance monitoring capabilities, provide real-time alerts, and allow for quicker response times to potential threats.
FAAN access control measures, enhanced perimeter security, and legal reforms are part of a broader strategy for airport security. As passenger traffic grows and demand for safety increases, FAAN remains committed to closing ICAO audit gaps and maintaining security standards.
