The United Nations Aviation School Project has commenced a 120 day training of all Aviation Security (AVSEC) personnel in Nigeria to combat the spate of terrorism threats globally.
The 120-day training tagged Train the Trainer is taking simultaneously in Lagos and Abuja at both FAAN Training School in Lagos and at the NCAA Training Hall at Abuja.
The objective according to the Nigerian Civil aviation authority NCAA is to effectively mitigate the threat posed to civil aviation by terrorist organizations.
It will also provide a key element for a robust national aviation security policy to meet global standards in infrastructure, safety and security.
In addition, this initiative would enhance the capacity within the UN system to help interested member states to implement the multiple dimension of countering terrorism.
The UN-initiated programme comprises 34 Aviation Security personnel from both Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) and the Federal Airport Authority of Nigeria (FAAN).
While NCAA has four, FAAN who provides security surveillance at all the airports has thirty participants.
A total number of 25 countries were considered and Nigeria was chosen for the pilot programme.
This is in appreciation of its clear and well-documented roadmap on developing the aviation sector, with particular emphasis on safety and security.
The train the trainer programme, is being anchored by Redline Assured Security Company of United Kingdom on behalf of the UN while the Director General of the NCAA, Captain Muhtar Usman is coordinating on behalf of the Federal Government of Nigeria.
The UN Project coordinator is Mr. Douglas Melvin and the four Aviation Security trainers for Lagos are Neil Coull, Clare Broolley, Kelly Porter and Ish Rahman.
The UN General Assembly adopted the Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy on September 8, 2008. Aviation School Project is one the programmes for implementation.
