…. Outlines urgent steps to bolster Nigeria’s aviation security
The critical importance of meticulous planning and execution, rather than mere hope, in ensuring robust aviation security was underlined at a recent stakeholders’ symposium on security organized by the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority, NCAA in Lagos with the theme: “Fundamentality of Aviation Security in Achieving Safe Skies Goals,”.
Experts and industry players convened to address the multifaceted security threats confronting Nigeria’s civil aviation sector, a challenge mirroring global concerns while also reflecting unique local dynamics.
One of the experts, Engr. Ifeanyi Ogochukwu, in a compelling presentation with the theme: “Security Threats to Civil Aviation in Nigeria”, stressed the diverse range of dangers jeopardizing the nation’s airspace.
These threats, he explained, could be broadly categorized into direct, emerging, and systemic vulnerabilities, each demanding focused attention and proactive countermeasures.
Direct threats, representing immediate and explicit dangers, encompass the persistent risks of terrorism, including potential attacks on airports and aircraft.
The specter of insider threats, where radicalized or compromised personnel could facilitate breaches, also looms large, particularly given Nigeria’s past experiences with extremist groups.
Aircraft hijacking remains a concern for both domestic and international flights, exacerbated by potential insider collusion or weaknesses in passenger screening.
Sabotage, the intentional damaging of aircraft, especially in less supervised areas, and the increasing challenge of unauthorized drone incursions into airport airspace further compound these direct risks.
Beyond these immediate dangers, Ogochukwu drew attention to emerging and evolving threats that demand a forward-thinking security posture.
According to him, cybersecurity vulnerabilities are rapidly becoming a major concern, with navigation and surveillance systems, airport operations infrastructure, and passenger data all potential targets for malicious actors.
Ransomware attacks and data breaches against aviation authorities, airlines, and airports pose significant financial and strategic risks.
The proliferation of unmanned aircraft systems (drones) presents another burgeoning threat, with their potential use for surveillance, smuggling, or even attacks near airports requiring urgent regulatory attention.
Furthermore, the exploitation of air transport systems for illegal interference and smuggling, including human trafficking and the movement of illicit goods, remains a persistent challenge, he noted.
Underlying these direct and emerging threats are systemic vulnerabilities within Nigeria’s aviation ecosystem, which he listed to include, Inadequate passenger and cargo screening, often due to outdated equipment or insufficient training, particularly at smaller airports, creates exploitable weaknesses.
Instances of security bypassing by influential figures further undermine the integrity of the system. The impact of political instability and civil unrest, potentially leading to airport closures or attacks on aviation assets, cannot be ignored. Insider threats are amplified by poor background checks, low staff morale, and opportunities for bribery.
Deficiencies in cybersecurity measures within air navigation service providers and airline operations, coupled with a lack of real-time threat intelligence systems, create further vulnerabilities, the expert said.
Finally, lax perimeter security, especially at secondary airports and airstrips, with incidents of unauthorized access to runways, presents a tangible risk.
Engr. Ogochukwu repeated the significant policy and operational implications of failing to address these threats, potentially undermining Nigeria’s State Security Programme under the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) and jeopardizing the country’s Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Category 1 status and international connectivity.
He highlighted Nigeria’s current framework, including adherence to ICAO Annexes and the National Civil Aviation Security Programme (NCASP) 2023, as crucial steps.
To mitigate these risks, Ogochukwu proposed several key considerations for Nigeria.
These include strengthening aviation security (AVSEC) training and certification, enhancing airport perimeter security with improved fencing, CCTV, and access control, and investing in robust cybersecurity frameworks for all aviation stakeholders.
He also stressed the need for developing national strategies for drone regulation and unmanned traffic management, alongside regular threat assessments conducted in collaboration with security agencies and international partners.
The expert recommendations further elaborated on these points, advocating stricter enforcement of the NCASP, upgrading security infrastructure in line with ICAO practices, and developing ICAO/IATA-compliant threat response protocols.
The establishment of a national aviation cybersecurity framework and a dedicated command center, alongside the enforcement of comprehensive drone regulations, including identification and geofencing policies, were also highlighted.
Investing in advanced personnel vetting, enhancing AVSEC capacity, engaging local communities in perimeter surveillance, and implementing agile, risk-based responses were presented as crucial steps towards bolstering aviation security.
Engr. Ogochukwu asserted that the security of Nigeria’s civil aviation sector is a shared national and global responsibility.
Addressing the spectrum of threats, from conventional to emerging, demands a multi-layered strategy firmly rooted in international best practices and robust national collaboration.
As Nigeria’s aviation infrastructure expands, proactively implementing the NCASP, aligning with ICAO standards, and adopting a risk-based, multi-agency approach are essential for building a resilient aviation security ecosystem, Ogochukwu pointed out, safeguarding the skies, and reinforcing Nigeria’s leadership in regional aviation security.
