Security: NCAA begins certification of Aviation Security Screeners

Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has issued a directive to all stakeholders especially the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), all airline operators, all airport operators and all aviation security providers that it has started implementation of certification of all Aviation Security Screeners in the nation’s airports.

The full implementation of this directive has already taken effect from 1st August, 2016 and it is in accordance to the provision of ICAO Certification System (Annex 17 Standards 3.4.3) for aviation security personnel and the requirements of National Civil Aviation Security Training Programme (NCASTP).

An AVSEC Screener is a security personnel responsible for the screening of passengers, cabin baggage, hold baggage, cargo, courier, mail and aviation personnel items with the use of x-ray screening equipment prior to boarding or loading of baggage and cargo into the aircraft or movement to restricted areas.

The Director General of the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), Capt. Muhtar Usman, has in a letter titled Full Implementation of Certification of Aviation Security (AVISEC) Screeners with ref.no.NCAA/AVSEC/SCRN.CERT/GEN/29 dated 15th June, 2016, advised all stakeholders to commence the process of certification of its personnel to act as an Aviation Security Screener.

The regulatory body noted, “Thereafter; it shall become a violation of the Nigerian Civil Aviation Security Programme (NCASP) for screeners who have not been certified by the Regulatory Authority to carry out any screening duties in Nigeria.”

Capt. Usman, therefore informed all affected organizations and personnel to ensure compliance with the timeline by ensuring all screeners are certified with the guidelines earlier communicated to them.

In other words, “any person prior to being designated as an Aviation Security (AVSEC) Screener in Nigeria, must obtain certification from the NCAA and all screeners requiring certification in any organization engaged in AVSEC duties shall undertake screeners’ and/or any relevant AVSEC course from a certified   AVSEC training provider and/or a recognized training institution.”

“Only citizens of Nigeria or persons having permanent resident status      and holding valid employment authorization documents can serve as screeners in Nigeria. The screener must have a minimum academic qualification of National Diploma and professional training (AVSEC screener course, ICAO STP 123 Basic and any other relevant AVSEC training).”

The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) will continue to ensure safe and secure air transport operations in the industry and can be contacted for the guidelines for certification which is valid for 24 months.