ICAO lauds Nigeria’s preparedness for airports’ security audit

The International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) Universal Security Audit Programme (USAP) on Nigerian airports started in Lagos yesterday with the team leader, Mr. Steven Neu, noting that the country is ‘adequately prepared for the audit’.

In his remarks at the beginning of his team’s nine-day audit assignment on Nigeria’s safety and security oversight of the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), Neu thanked ‘the agency for the time it spent in preparing for the audit and for making the right decision’.

He also commended Nigerians ‘for the hospitality’ his team has enjoyed since its arrival on Sunday, May 31, 2015, adding that it was gratifying to note that the members of his team have savoured every moment since their arrival.
He said he hoped that what his team will see on ground would equal the level of preparation.

At yesterday’s event, industry players and stakeholders were present including, chief executives of aviation agencies, high ranking police officers, Army, Air Force, Immigration, Customs, National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Ports security Corps and other relevant organisations.

Earlier in his speech, the NCAA Director General, Captain Muhtar Usman, indicated the agency’s readiness for the audit saying: “In all modesty, I can confidently affirm that Nigeria is ready.”

He added: “the audit is to enhance states’ security compliance and oversight capabilities by determining the extent of compliance of the state in implementing Annex 17 standards and related provisions of Annex 9.

“I wish to inform you that during the audit, ICAO will observe and assess Nigeria’s adherence to associated security procedures, guidance materials and security related practices and determine the sustainability and effectiveness of the states’ implementation of a security system through the establishment of legislation, programmes, regulations and a security authority with control and enforcement capacity”.

Usman said NCAA has ensured that corrective actions were taken on all open items through a developed and submitted plan, adding that safety and security air transport operations got priority and very significant attention from the regulatory authority.

“I therefore wish to assure all present that NCAA in collaboration with the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), have ensured that all requisite airports for the exercise meet national and international standard for the audit”, the DG stated.

He also disclosed that Nigeria has five ICAO trained auditors who are on the staff list of the NCAA and have undoubtedly and continuously deployed their wealth of experience and exposure to provide a robust security regime for the nation’s airports.

He added that the aviation security department was replete with well trained staff who have acquitted themselves very well in their oversight responsibilities.