Air travellers will now be checked only once at Nigeria's airports

shakirudeen taiwo

June 7, 2017 8:52 AM

With this move, security agencies at the airport would now check luggage of passengers in designated areas and not within the departure halls, as usually seen before.

Travelers checking-in at Muritala Mohammed International Airport, Lagos

The Federal Airport Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) has ordered the cancellation of multiple checks of travellers and luggage at all airports across the country.

FAAN gave this order during a meeting with all security agencies held on Tuesday, June 6, 2017, at the international wing of the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), Lagos, while noting that the move is to ensure compliance with the ‘executive order’ issued recently by the Acting President, Professor Yemi Osinbajo.

One of the three executive orders specifically addresses operational procedures at all points of entry and exit in the country, which includes the land borders, sea and airports.

Speaking to journalists after the meeting,the Managing Director (MD) of FAAN, Engr. Saleh Dunoma said a single (one) screening unit would henceforth be seen in the departure halls of the airports.

He further stated that relevant agencies had agreed to effectively and seamlessly implement the order without jeopardising the security procedures at the airport.

“I just came out of the meeting. I heard some of the things they are talking about, issues being raised as a result of the implementation of the executive order. I gave them my words that I will support them with whatever issues they might have as a result of the implementation. I also emphasised that as a result of the implementation of the executive order, there would be no compromise.”

“Everybody is ready to key into this committee that is set up for the implementation and everybody is contributing positively. From all indications, all hands are on deck to make sure that the executive order is implemented.”

“I don’t envisage any problem in its implementation. We will support the agencies when the need arises by giving them additional facilities depending on what they are requesting for,”Dunoma said.

The FAAN boss also said that the implementation would start with MMIA which is the busiest and most frequently used airport for regional and international flights in Nigeria.

Meanwhile, the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has also prepared a standard document which outlines its core functions and services, charges and fees, waivers, licences and requirements for other processes which are related to airline or flight operation in Nigeria.

shakirudeen taiwo

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