Yemisi Izuora
The America Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has concluded its Security Assessment of the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA),Lagos and expressed deep satisfaction at the level of compliance with the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) Standard and Recommended Practices in the airport.
General Manager,Public Affairs, Mr Sam Adurogboye confirmed the pass mark made by the four-man TSA team during the debriefing held at the Conference Hall of the Aviation House at the weekend .
He quoted the team as saying the were highly impressed with the Corrective Action Plans put in place by the Federal Airport Authority of Nigeria(FAAN) in respect of the few opened items.
Adurogboye said that TSA team commended the authority’s consistency and methodology on the implementation of TSA applicable security procedures which was of ICAO standards.
They noted that this accomplishment was a reflection of sufficient training provided for the staff and coupled with effective regulatory oversight of the industry by NCAA.
Other areas of the airport examined in the course of the assessment include Airports Operations and Standards, Quality Control, Access Control Point, Passengers and Baggage Screening, Screening Equipment, Airport Contingency Plan (ACP) and Airport Security Programme (ASP).
The TSA team also commended the NCAA Director General, Capt Muhtar Usman for providing enabling environment towards successful accomplishment of the exercise and the observed effective regulatory oversight over the sector.
The D-G Muhtar Usman in response commended the team for a job well done and expressed the authority’s readiness to always partner and co operate with the TSA on issues of Aviation Security and Safety.
Adurogboye disclosed that the final report would be ready in 45 days time.
Meanwhile, the Managing Director, Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), Engr. Saleh Dunoma has confirmed that the authority is set for the forthcoming International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) Certification Audit.
The readiness of FAAN to receive the team was made known by the General Manager; Corporate Affairs, Mr Yakubu Dati at the weekend.
He made this remark during his recent inspection tour of facilities at the Murtala Muhammed Airport in preparation for the exercise.
In pursuance of safety and security at the airport, Engr. Dunoma inspected the newly acquired security patrol vehicles and also the Fire Service vans to ensure that they meet required standards.
He also inspected the new fully equipped Ambulance, Resuscitation Bay and observation Towers which has been given a face lift.
The MD commended the effort staff have put in place so far in ensuring that all facilities are set, and conform to best practices in line with ICAO standards.