The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) says the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMA), Lagos has complied with the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) standards on aviation security.
The General Manager, Public Affairs of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), Mr Akin Olukunle, said in a statement on Sunday in Lagos that the latest assessment of the TSA indicated that aviation security at the MMA had complied with all the 25 (ICAO) standards on which it was audited.
TSA is a U.S Government Law Enforcement Agency responsible for security in all modes of transportation, especially in aviation security.
The statement said the TSA audit, which began on 16 November, was completed on 20 November.
“The specialists, comprising of Messrs Rick Little and James Cardwell, were assisted by two officials of the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA).
“The team had, among others, looked into the areas of access control, perimeter fencing, screening of passengers and cargo and on-duty card system,’’ the statement said.
It said the specialists expressed satisfaction with the overall professional attitude and conduct of all the aviation security staff at the airport.
The statement said that Nigeria’s Minister of Aviation, Mr Babatunde Omotoba, congratulated the FAAN on the outcome of the audit.
Omotoba, according to the statement, assured that the Nigerian government would not relent in its efforts to ensure that all the airports comply with all the safety and security standards of ICAO.
The statement quoted Mr Richard Aisuebeogun, FAAN Managing Director, as saying that the TSA’s position was a reassurance that FAAN security personnel could compete with others.
Aisuebeogun assured that the authority would implement the recommendations of the TSA on some areas it expressed minor reservation.
The TSA team had during the period assessed the operations of the US Delta Airlines, other airlines and cargo facilities in line with the ICAO requirements.
Source African Press Agency
