Redundant manual checks at airports have long frustrated travelers in Nigeria, but FAAN is addressing the issue head-on. By deploying cutting-edge scanning systems and coordinating better with security agencies, the authority is set to revolutionize airport security while easing passenger stress. ANTHONY OMOH writes.
Outdated Security Process: A Burden on Nigerian Travelers
One of the most persistent challenges at Nigerian airports has been the issue of passenger facilitation. Travelers often face frustrations due to redundant checks by various security agencies, leading to delays, overcrowding, and in some cases, alleged harassment. The situation is particularly prominent at international airports, where passengers are subjected to multiple checkpoints, each administered by different agencies, including the Nigerian Immigration Service, Customs, National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Quarantine Services, and the Department of State Services (DSS).
While each agency has its specific mandate, the lack of coordination among them has led to inefficiencies. As a result, passengers endure the frustration of navigating a maze of security procedures, each seemingly duplicating the work of the other. This fragmented approach contributes to congestion, discomfort, and, in some cases, unwarranted harassment of passengers.
The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), which manages and oversees airport operations, has recognized the urgent need for change. FAAN is working on modernizing airport security by introducing advanced technology. This move aims to reduce human interaction, minimize harassment, and enhance efficiency for passengers and security agencies alike. The introduction of cutting-edge technology is expected to streamline the passenger facilitation process, thereby creating a smoother and more secure airport experience.
The Problem: Redundant Checks and Lack of Synergy
One of the major complaints from passengers traveling through Nigerian airports is the excessive number of baggage and body checks. Passengers find themselves moving through a series of tables, each manned by officers from different agencies. Customs focuses on contraband goods and undeclared currency; NDLEA monitors drug control; Immigration handles border security; and Quarantine Services track the movement of animals and agricultural products. While each agency plays an important role, this fragmented approach often results in overlapping procedures and redundancies.
The disjointed approach has created not only congestion but also situations where passengers feel harassed. Many passengers are subjected to multiple checks for similar threats, despite each agency having specialized equipment for their specific mandate. For instance, the NDLEA operates a scanner for detecting narcotics ingestion, while Immigration and Quarantine Services have their own specialized equipment.
Despite these advanced tools, the agencies continue to rely on manual checks, which adds to the long queues and delays at security checkpoints. Additionally, the visibility of these agencies and their equipment in open spaces has led to a perception of harassment. This visible display of authority makes passengers feel vulnerable, as they are unsure of the exact role each agency plays in the security process.
FAAN’s Approach: Modernizing Airport Security with Technology
FAAN has recognized that change is necessary, and in response to passenger and staff concerns, the organization has begun deploying advanced technological solutions to streamline airport security. The centerpiece of this initiative is the deployment of the Orion 928DX high-performance security scanner, which offers cutting-edge capabilities to detect potential threats.
In May 2024, FAAN’s Managing Director, Olubunmi Kuku, initiated a series of meetings with the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) to address the issue of redundant checks. These discussions led to the decision to deploy modern scanning technologies that would automate many of the checks currently performed manually. Kuku emphasized that this initiative aims not only to upgrade FAAN’s equipment but also to encourage better collaboration and synergy among the various security agencies operating at the airport.
The Role of Technology: Enhancing Efficiency and Security
The introduction of the Orion 928DX security scanner is a major step in modernizing airport security. The Orion scanner uses high-resolution imaging to produce detailed images of baggage and parcels, allowing security personnel to quickly identify potential threats like weapons, explosives, and narcotics. It also features automatic threat detection, which highlights areas of concern, reducing the need for manual inspection by officers.
Mr. Albert Afegbai, the Director of Aviation and Airport Security, explained that the Orion scanners are capable of detecting most of the materials that each security agency is concerned with. “The NDLEA has a scanner that can detect ingestion—when someone swallows something,” he explained. “They also have their own screening process and monitoring system. Quarantine and other agencies will be able to monitor their specific areas of concern using these scanners as well.”
By centralizing the monitoring of security data, FAAN aims to improve efficiency and reduce unnecessary duplication of procedures. The advanced scanners will enable agencies to view scanned images of luggage and identify potential threats without needing to stop passengers for further inspection. If a bag raises an alert, only then will the passenger be asked for additional screening, significantly reducing the number of checks.
This new approach is designed to minimize physical interaction between security officers and passengers. Rather than waiting in long lines for manual checks at different tables, passengers will only face further screening if something in their luggage triggers the scanner. This will not only speed up the process but also reduce the chances of harassment, ensuring a more comfortable travel experience.
Improved Monitoring and Accountability
The new system also introduces a control room where security personnel from each agency can monitor their specific areas of concern without physically interacting with passengers. This centralized setup will feature multiple monitors, with each security agency having its own designated screen to observe the screening process.
Additionally, security officers’ identities will be displayed on the screen, allowing passengers to know exactly who is monitoring their bags. The setup will include cameras to ensure that all interactions remain professional and transparent. Chima Ogechukwu Juliet, Head of ICT at Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), emphasized, “Once fully deployed, this system will ensure that there are no physical interactions between passengers and officers, making the whole process smoother and more efficient.”.
Expanding Technology Across the Airport
FAAN’s technological rollout is not limited to baggage screening. The organization has also introduced state-of-the-art scanners in the baggage claim area to ensure that checked luggage is properly screened before being returned to passengers. This extra layer of security will help prevent dangerous or illicit items from slipping through the cracks, offering a more comprehensive approach to airport security.
In the cargo section, FAAN has deployed the Rapiscan Itemiser 5X, an advanced explosive trace detection (ETD) system capable of identifying trace amounts of explosives and other hazardous substances. This system has been instrumental in securing cargo shipments and has even encouraged some airlines to resume operations that had been suspended due to inadequate screening equipment.
Training and Implementation
As new technologies are deployed, training is a critical aspect of the implementation process. Security personnel, including officers from the NDLEA, Customs, Quarantine, and other agencies, will undergo extensive training to familiarize themselves with the new systems and equipment. This will ensure that the scanners and other tools are used effectively, maximizing their potential to enhance airport security.
Once training is complete and the new systems are fully integrated, FAAN plans to phase out the old manual checks, including the infamous tables where passengers have been subjected to repeated inspections by different agencies. With the new technology in place, passengers can look forward to a quicker, more efficient experience, free from unnecessary delays and harassment.
Looking to the Future: A Unified Approach to Airport Security
FAAN’s modernization efforts are part of a broader vision to improve the overall airport experience for both passengers and security agencies. By reducing reliance on manual checks and introducing state-of-the-art technology, FAAN is working towards a more seamless, secure, and efficient airport environment. Furthermore, by integrating the various security agencies into a centralized system, FAAN hopes to foster greater collaboration, ensuring that passenger safety is prioritized without causing unnecessary inconvenience.
As the pilot phase of the new technology continues to unfold, FAAN plans to extend these innovations to other airports across the country. This will further FAAN’s commitment to improving passenger facilitation and ensuring a safer, more efficient air travel experience.
A Tech-Driven Future for Passenger Security
The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria is making significant strides toward eliminating redundant checks and enhancing the passenger experience. Through advanced technology, such as the Orion 928DX scanners, and improved coordination among security agencies, FAAN is creating a smoother, faster, and more secure travel environment. With the implementation of these changes, Nigerian airports are moving closer to offering a world-class, efficient, and secure travel experience for all passengers.
