- Improve Aviation Security Facilities, Expert Advises FG
The Chief Executive Officer, Eden & Mcwhit Aviation Security, Dr. Naima Fraser, has asked the Federal Government to upgrade the security infrastructure in all the nation’s international airports in compliance with the International Civil Aviation Organisation and International Air Transport Association’s regulations.
She said the upgrade had become necessary in view of increase in global terrorism, in addition to achieving a global security status for the airports.
“The Federal Government and the Ministry of Aviation should be innovative in evolving financial solutions to achieve a first-class aviation security status for all the international airports in the country without expending scarce resources during this recession. We should learn to use what we have to get what we need,” she stated.
Fraser said in a statement on Sunday that while it was encouraging that the government had initiated policies to attract foreign direct investments to boost the economy, it was also important that the airports were made safer and secure in line with global requirements.
She added, “Airport concession has its advantages, but aviation security projects all over the world, using the latest digital technology, are regularly updated and cannot be borne by government funding alone. Therefore, when our airports are on concession, the aviation security aspect is not included and is worked out on Build, Manage and Train basis, because aviation security is the responsibility of the government, with a technical partner and investor.
“West African countries such as Sierra Leone and other countries in Africa, Europe and Asia are benefitting presently from this business model, which has been introduced to the Federal Aviation Authority by Eden & Mcwhit supported by its principal in the United Kingdom. Nigeria should not waste any more time in concluding with the company so that their investors can assist the Federal Government and relevant authorities to upgrade the international airports with the latest digital aviation security equipment, products, solutions and training.”