Kenneth Ehigiator

Following the directive given by the federal government Monday that all cargoes be subject to one hundred percent screening at the nation’s airports, Nigerian Aviation Handling Company, NAHCo, has intensified surveillance of goods in its custody.

Consequently, the company has subjected all goods coming in and going out of the country, as well as facilities at airports to stringent screening.

Chairman of the company, Senator Ike Nwachukwu, disclosed this yesterday while addressing clearing agents, heads of security agencies at airports and other stakeholders in Lagos.

Senator Nwachukwu said the meeting was called mainly to explore ways of collectively enhancing security within the airport environment and in particular cargo operations.

He said in a situation where security risk was becoming alarming, there was need for all stakeholders to put heads together to come up with ways of ensuring, enforcing and maintaining security at all times for our mutual benefit.

The meeting identified seeming security lapses at the airport and called on the concerned authorities to tackle them in the face of the bourgeoning terrorist acts across the globe.

At the end of the meeting, a joint communiqué which served as actions to be taken was issued, and this culminated in the setting up of a subcommittee on implementation of measures adopted at the meeting.

The sub-committee, chaired by the Military Airport Commandant, Group Captain B. Garba, was charged with the responsibility of ensuring safety, security and sanity in cargo operations.

Meanwhile, the company’s management has reacted to a story published by a national newspaper (not Vanguard) to the effect that there were security concerns about cargo at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos.

NAHCo’s Head of Coroprate Affairs, Becky Igyuse, said in a statement: “Ordinarily, we would not have bothered to respond but for the sensitivity of the issue raised by the paper.

“First and foremost, Nahco Aviance’s pedigree to security matters is well known. In all our operational areas, we have screening machines that x_ray cargo, parcels and luggage leaving the country.

“We also ensure access control to all restricted areas in line with best practices. Therefore, we can say with all modesty that precautionary measures are duly taken by us to ensure safety of cargo and the aircraft handled by us
“Access control to Gate Three of the Murtala Mohammed Airport is vested with Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria whose men are always there.

“Whether the security at that gate is porous or not is an issue within the purview of FAAN.  At no time, therefore, did the Managing Director of Nahco Aviance allude that miscreants and unwanted people who are clearing agents do gain access to the tarmac through the gate.

“We are aware that clearing agents who have genuine business to do on the tarmac do have access through the gate. This in any way does not amount to what the paper described as unwanted miscreants.”