In a significant move to enhance airport security and streamline passenger experience, the Federal Government of Nigeria has announced plans to procure customised explosives and narcotic detection screening systems for five international airports in the country.
The decision, revealed by the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, follows concerns about the prolonged delays and complaints from passengers at various airports.
The contract, valued at N3.28 billion, will introduce state-of-the-art machines equipped with remote and dual views.
These cutting-edge systems are set to be installed at major international airports in Lagos, Abuja, Kano, Port Harcourt, and Enugu. The project is expected to be completed within 12 months from the date of payment.
Minister Keyamo highlighted the government’s commitment to improving the passenger journey by addressing the inconvenience caused by manual baggage searches.
The new detection machines aim to replicate successful models like the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) in the United States, where advanced screening technology significantly reduces the need for physical bag searches.
In addition to the airport security initiative, the Federal Executive Council (FEC) also ratified a Bilateral Air Service Agreement with the Republic of Guyana.
This agreement is poised to reduce travel time for passengers en route to European countries.
Regarding the Nigeria Air project, Minister Keyamo disclosed that the project has been temporarily suspended.
A comprehensive report has been submitted to the president outlining the current status and proposing the next course of action.
While details surrounding the airline’s deployment are part of the report, the minister refrained from preempting the president’s decision.
In a separate development, the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of the Federation, Lateef Fagbemi, announced that the FEC had approved the presentation of Nigeria’s Human Rights report to the United Nations.
This report, a part of the UN Universal Periodic Review, covers critical aspects such as child employment in the armed forces, gender-based discrimination, and the nation’s commitment to combating corruption. The report is scheduled for submission in February 2024.
Source: Peoples Gazette