EMERGING THREAT TO CIVIL AVIATION SECTOR, FG RAISES ALARM, DECLARES READINESS TO COMBAT TERRORISTS

Abdullateef Aliyu

The federal government is putting all security agencies on red alert over emerging threat to civil aviation with the National Counter Terrorism Centre (NCTC), under the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), calling for deeper collaboration among stakeholders in the aviation and security sectors to tackle the growing and complex threats facing Nigeria’s airspace.

Stakeholders at a symposium on strengthening aviation security as a critical pillar of national safety organized by the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) in Lagos called for vigilance and proactive measures to prevent any threat.

The threat dilemma

 

In the recent past, the sector has experienced some breaches like cases of incursion and trespass on the highly restricted areas of the airports especially the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA) in Lagos, the busiest and the biggest airport in Nigeria generating over 70 per cent of revenues for the federal government.

This is despite the retinue of security agencies at the airport. There is no security agency that is not represented at the airport. This is in addition to the many paramilitary agencies like the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS), the Port Health Services, the Nigeria Agricultural Quarantine Service (NAQS), among others operating at the international airports.

The MMIA especially has recorded some of the most embarrassing breaches in the past according to stakeholders. In 2019, an unidentified man carrying a bag reportedly walked towards an aircraft that was holding for taking off at the MMIA. There had been several stowaway incidents in the past despite the presence of the plethora of agencies.

In addition to the existing threat, cyberattacks have further exposed the sector to compromise as witnessed in the global aviation ecosystem.

 

Nigeria not immune to threat – Perm Sec

Dr. Ibrahim Kana, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development, acknowledged that the entire aviation ecosystem was not immune from the current security threat across the country.

He expressed that though, the Nigerian aviation industry was yet to record any major security breach, but insisted that all hands must be on deck to sustain and improve on the current security layers in the system.

He said: “Security eco-system in the aviation industry does not only belong to the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) or the NCAA. Everyone needs to come onboard. The aviation security personnel need to be more proactive, adopt profiling of personnel more.

“A situation like this brings us together to talk and proffer solutions. The importance of security cannot be overemphasized in the Nigerian system.”

Director-General, Civil Aviation, Capt. Chris Najomo stated that collaboration, innovation, and personnel competence as key drivers in safeguarding Nigeria’s aviation industry against evolving security threats.

Najomo described the aviation sector as a vital enabler of global connectivity, economic development, and cultural exchange.

He warned, however, that the same connectivity exposes the industry to increasingly complex threats, including cyberattacks, terrorism, insider threats, and the misuse of unmanned aerial systems.

“The threat environment is constantly changing. Any attack on civil aviation can only be countered through the implementation of effective aviation security measures, delivered by competent professionals.”

He said with vigilance, any threat can be countered. “Together, we can shape a safer and more secure future for Nigeria and global aviation,” he said.

He added, “The aviation industry is, indeed, the lifeline of global connectivity by acting as a key enabler for commerce, cultural exchange and economic development.

“Expectedly, with these opportunities come increasingly-evolving threats of cyberattacks, terrorism, insider-threats, unmanned aerial systems; not forgetting the intricate dilemmas of cargo, passenger and airport security.

“The threat environment is constantly changing and any attack on civil aviation through any one of these means can be countered by the implementation of effective aviation security counter measures. These measures can be effective only if the people responsible for protecting the industry carry out their tasks effectively and efficiently.

This, inherently, borders on competency. This is why, as an aviator myself, I share in the doctrine of training, training and more training. In light of this, permit me to emphasize the need for imbibing the following: 1. Vigilance: We must remain vigilant and proactive in Identifying and mitigating potential threats to civil aviation.

Managing Director, Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria, FAAN, Mrs Olubunmi Kuku called for a dynamic and resilient approach to aviation security, particularly as threats become more complex in an era of rapid technological advancement.

She noted that dialogue-driven forums such as the symposium offer opportunities to share knowledge, experience, and innovative strategies to ensure the continued safety of Nigeria’s airspace without sacrificing operational efficiency.

‘Coordinated communication channels required to counter threat’

The Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA) Managing Director, Engr. Umar Farouk, represented by Rita Egbadon, Director of Legal Services & Company Secretary, decried the absence of coordinated communication channels among security outfits, leading to delayed decision-making and fragmented responses to threats.

The overlapping mandates and poor inter-agency collaboration continue to erode the effectiveness of airport security nationwide.

NAMA observed that many of Nigeria’s airports remain reliant on obsolete security systems. Limited surveillance, weak perimeter defenses, and the failure to integrate physical and cyber security tools have left facilities exposed to avoidable security breaches.

The agency noted with concern the declining motivation and skill set of aviation security personnel. Inadequate training, poor remuneration, and a lack of career growth opportunities have led to low morale and lapses in vigilance—conditions incompatible with international security standards.

NAMA drew attention to the growing trend of appointing underqualified individuals into crucial security roles. Many of these appointments bypass critical vetting, certification, and background checks required under ICAO Annex 17, thereby compromising the credibility and performance of Nigeria’s aviation security system.

National Aviation Security Task Force

In its recommendations, NAMA called for a coordinated body led by FAAN and audited by NCAA to oversee joint intelligence sharing, simulation exercises, and real-time response planning.

In addition, it said Federal and state governments, alongside private sector partners, must prioritize funding for biometric systems, smart surveillance, integrated command centers, and next-generation threat detection tools.

Speaking on behalf of the ONSA, a representative of the National Counter Terrorism Centre, Air Commodore Ahmad Madawaki emphasized the urgent need to confront the multifaceted security challenges that go beyond the North East and extend across all regions and sectors, especially aviation.

Madawaki reiterated commitment to securing Nigeria’s airspace and airports through coordinated efforts among relevant security agencies.

One of the major steps already underway, he said, includes the development of a joint monitoring and screening system aimed at streamlining airport operations, eliminating inefficiencies, and curbing touting.

As well as a comprehensive security threat assessment framework for all airports and airstrips in Nigeria is currently in development.

This initiative, according to Air commodore Madawaki, involves a multi-stakeholder approach designed to evaluate vulnerabilities and strengthen protective measures.

The Center also urged all aviation operators to remain vigilant and to improve intelligence sharing, noting that effective security depends on unity of purpose and action across the entire aviation ecosystem.

He stressed that ensuring safe skies is a shared responsibility that requires commitment to global standards, continuous staff training, installation of modern tracking systems, and robust data management.

The NCTC noted that aviation security is not only central to safe travel but also to national sovereignty, calling on all stakeholders to prioritize innovation, vigilance and collaboration in the quest for safer skies.

Pathfinders International Limited CEO Nkechi Onyenso also called for innovation.

She reaffirmed her firm’s commitment to cutting-edge solutions. Workforce training and operational readiness programs remain focal points.

The Chairman of Air Peace, Barr. Allen Onyema, called for enhanced collaboration and a paradigm shift in the approach to aviation security, stressing that the safety of Nigeria’s airspace must remain a shared national priority.

He emphasised that aviation security should not be perceived as a bureaucratic requirement but as the “lifeblood of our operations”.

“At the core of the ‘Safe-Skies Goal’ is collaboration. No one agency or operator can do it alone,” he declared.

He stated that Air Peace Ltd has embedded this principle into its operations by investing in cutting-edge security technology, rigorous staff training, and sustained partnerships with relevant agencies.

However, beyond technology and processes, Onyema stressed the importance of a security-focused mindset across the industry.

Daily Trust