The United Nation has unveiled plans to set up two aviation security training schools in Nigeria as part of measures aimed at supporting the nation’s counter-terrorism efforts.
The move will also assist in providing a robust national aviation security policy that will mitigate the threat posed to civil aviation by terrorist organisations and their operatives.
The development was confirmed on Thursday by a statement from the Ministry of Aviation signed by the Deputy Director, Press and Public Affairs, Mr. James Odaudu.
The statement said the planned establishment of the aviation training schools was in line with the Federal Government’s vision of turning around the aviation sector to meet global standards in infrastructure, safety and security.
It added that the Minister of State for Aviation, Senator Hadi Sirika, had been briefed on the development by the United Nations-appointed Project Manager for the schools, Mr. Douglas Melvin.
Melvin, according to the statement, said the initiative would also enhance capacity within the organisation’s system to help interested member states to implement the UN Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy in an integrated manner.
This, according to him, involves assisting such member states with the implementation of the strategy to address terrorism.
He said the choice of Nigeria, out of 25 countries considered, was in appreciation of its clear and well-documented road map on developing the aviation sector, with particular emphasis on safety and security.
The minister commended the UN for the gesture and assured it of the government’s readiness to provide all that was necessary for the effective take-off and operation of the two institutes to be located in Abuja and Lagos.
