Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria To Intensify Security At Airports

The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) is to introduce special security checks for all individuals and vehicles accessing all the nation’s airports.

The Managing Director of FAAN, Mr. Richard Aisuebeogun, disclosed this on Thursday in Lagos during a chat with newsmen.

He warned that all persons found loitering around any of the nation’s 22 airports would henceforth be prosecuted.

The FAAN chief added that the new security measures were aimed at checking the menace of touting and terrorism in the country, and to also secure the airports and their users.

Aisuebeogun also said that FAAN was collaborating with some state governments to address the menace of runway incursions.

He warned that all illegal structures around airport runways, particularly in the Lagos area, would soon be demolished.

“All necessary gadgets have been put in place and we are putting more to ensure the safety of all airport users. All movements are now being closely monitored and recorded.

“We have been compelled in the past to bar some individuals or bodies from the airports for security reasons. There is also now a restriction on the issuance and use of on-duty cards.

“We believe that some persons should not have unhindered access to restricted areas at the airports,” the FAAN chief said.

Aisuebeogun added that all airlines have been advised to ensure the compliance of all their passengers and staff with safety regulations and security procedures.

He reiterated that the ban on commercial motorcyclists, touting, loitering, hawking and littering of refuse at the airports was still in force, pointing out that violators would be liable to a penalty of N50,000 or six months imprisonment or both, on conviction.

“All abandoned vehicles and others not parked at designated car parks will be towed, while overnight parking is not allowed at the airports,’’ Aisuebeogun added.

He advised all intending travellers to arrive early at the airports to enable them to be able to undergo departure formalities and appropriate security checks.

Source:  http://nigerianobservernews.com