Despite the circumstances, a team of experts from the international Civil Aviation Organization, the United Nations Agency that operates the global aviation industry, has arrived to Nigeria to carry out SecurDespiteity Audit of the Muritala Muhammad International Airport, Lagos and the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja.

The Security Audit will cover up  aviation security areas such as Inflight Security, Passenger and Baggage Security, Acts of Unlawful Interference, Facilitation, Legislation, Training, Quality Control Function, Operations, and Cargo, Mail and Catering.

It tagged the theme 2024 ICAO Universal Security Audit Programme through Continuous Monitoring Approach for Lagos and Abuja airports.

This was contained in a statement issued by the Director of Public Affairs & Consumer Protection, Michael Achimugu, on Monday

The USAP CMA audit, exercise is expected to end in 2 weeks by March 22 2024.

Members of the four-man team are; Callum Vine (team lead), James Mabala, Tebogo Mphela and Alagie Jeng.

Mr. Festus Keyamo, The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, was quoted as expressing the importance of the Audit in upholding the highest standards of security in Nigeria’s aviation industry.

The audit represents a concerted effort to uphold the highest standards of security across all facets of Nigeria’s aviation industry, Keyamo stated.

Chris Najomo, The Acting Director General of Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority, welcomed the ICAO auditors and explained the objective of the USAP CMA.

According to him, the audit is to improve global aviation security through auditing and the continuous monitoring of AVSEC performance of member states by assessing the level of effective implementation of critical elements of the states’ AVSEC oversight system which provides an indication of the sustainability of the state’s AVSEC system.

“As part of the on-site auditing process, both Murtala Muhammed International Airport Lagos and Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport Abuja have been selected as airports where verification of the implementation of security measures will be carried out,” the statement partly read.

He also expressed optimism that Nigeria would surpass last rating with the progressive transformations that have taken place in the industry since the last exercise and considering the level of commitment of the current administration to ensure secure, safe and efficient air transportation in Nigeria.

Najomo vows to provide necessary support and maximum cooperation towards ensuring a hitch-free exercise.