NG News: Terrorism: FG orders stringent security measures at airports
By Oscarline Onwuemenyi, Abuja
Published: Monday, 12 Nov 2007
- x Punch -
The Federal Government has called for the overhaul of security processes and procedures at airports to ensure that they are fool-proof against any likelihood of terrorist attacks or drug peddling.
Minister of Transportation, Mrs. Diezani Alison-Madueke, made the call on Friday when she received in audience a high-powered committee set-up by the Presidency to stem incidence of drug trafficking and generally improve airport security.
Alison-Madueke emphasised the need to procure and install suitable screening equipment that meet required levels of sensitivity in detecting suspicious or prohibited substances, and the need to ensure their adequate maintenance to guarantee efficient and reliable operations.
She said there was a need for more stringent checks on the movement of various categories of personnel engaged in various services at the airports, recalling the prevailing climate of international concerns about terrorism and the need for vigilance in the country.
“All across the globe, there is a general climate of fear of terrorism and terrorist attacks; we would be deceiving ourselves if we pretend we are not concerned about this situation. This is why government is not treating the matter with kid’s glove,” she said.
The minister called on the committee to extend its security beyond the boundaries or limits of its terms of reference and consider any issues or subject it might consider relevant to enhancing the security and service standards in the country’s airports.
She also stressed the need to increase the number of Customs and Immigration personnel and checking points at the International airports with a view to reducing the time it takes to screen passengers.
Alison-Madueke urged the committee to address the issue of punitive measures in terms of consequence management implementation over a period of time, without overlooking the primacy of service in the most civilised and humane manner to maintain a congenial environment at the airports.
She assured the committee of her total support and cooperation at all times.
Briefing the minister earlier, the Chairman of the committee and Special Assistant to the President on Aviation, Captain Shehu Iyal said the committee’s mandate covered the four international airports.
These include, Murtala Muhammed Airport , Lagos , Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport Abuja, Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport Kano, and Port Harcourt International Airport .
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