Us-tsa Begins Security Audit Of Mmia

SAN FRANCISCO, March 02, (THEWILL) – A four-man team from the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) United States of America is currently in Nigeria carrying out the security audit of the Murtala Mohammed International Airport (MMIA) Lagos, in line with TSA security procedures.

Members of the team, led by Transportation Security Specialist (TSS), were in the Aviation House to brief Muhtar Usman, Director-General, Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), on the exercise.

According to statement by the NCAA, the team will in the course of the exercise observe the implementation of Aviation Security measures in place at the MMIA and exchange technical expertise in line with ICAO Annex 17 and International Aviation Security Standard and best Practices.

“They will also conduct inspections on the implementation of TSA security procedures of Arik Airlines, being the only Nigeria carrier that operates direct flight to United States and that of Delta Airline and United Airline, that both currently operate flight in and out of Nigeria,” the statement read.

The outlined agenda for the five-day exercise will include the examination of Airport Operations and Standards, Quality Control, Access Control point at the Airport, Measures relating to Aircraft Maintenance, Passenger and Baggage Screening, Cargo, Mailing and Catering Services etc.

Other essential issues to be examined are Screening Equipment, Airport Contingency Plan (ACP) and Airport Security Programme (ASP).

Usman, in his response, thanked the TSA team for their visit and expressed the Authority's willingness to partner, co-operate and assist the team for the success of the exercise.

According to him, “security is a serious issue and as a regulatory body, we give it much attention. Thus, security issues are resolved in a timely manner.”

Story by David Oputah