Aviation Security in Nigeria: Protect Your Aircraft, Pax and More!

What is Aviation Security and Safety?

ICAO defines aviation security as the combination of measures, human and material resources designed to protect civil aviation from unlawful interference.

Aviation Security is the protection of air navigation and airport facilities, aircraft, passengers, crew, civilians, cabin and checked baggage, cargo, mail and catering goods against sabotage, hijacking, or criminal acts such as terrorism.

Aviation safety refers to the efforts that are taken to ensure airplanes are free from factors that may lead to injury or loss.

What Are the Security Risks and Threats to Civil Aviation?

Aviation security risks and threats are evolving rapidly and manifest in many ways. Major threats include:

• Insider Threats (Known Insiders) Pose Potential Insider Risks to Airlines
• Civil unrest affecting crews while away from home base
• Flights operating near conflict zone airspace
• Lone-wolf and terrorism incidents compromising security
• Human trafficking, poorly documented passengers, and smuggling of contraband are additional concerns as they pose varying degrees of risk.

It is pretty clear that risks cannot be completely avoided or eliminated. However, the purpose is to reduce the likelihood that something will go wrong and the negative consequences that can result, so long as it is practicable and reasonable. There are always factors beyond our control and knowledge. As a result, everyone faces the inevitable challenge of balancing all risk management variables to make the best use of limited time, resources, staff and funds.

Why Aviation Security is Important in Nigeria?

Africa’s most populous country, Nigeria is fast becoming the continent’s business aviation hub. Nigeria is becoming a major airline. Private jets dominate the country’s airspace due to infrastructure factors such as the vulnerability of transportation and aviation links, driving significant growth in the business jet operator market in Nigeria.

In many parts of Nigeria, instability is high, and the risk of terrorist attacks is high. Attacks can occur anywhere. Large cities are particularly at risk. Attacks have taken place around religious and public holidays in public and crowded places, including places of worship.

AVSEC is too important in Nigeria to disseminate and monitor compliance to International/National security directives and information relating to Airports, Aircraft operators, Cargo and dangerous goods handlers as well as coordinate inspections of cargo security and dangerous goods for Airports, Airlines and Cargo handling companies.

To travel in comfort and get the best AVSEC service upon arriving to Nigeria airport all you need is a trusted flight support company that cares in first place of your safety and security.

iJET Flight Support offers the best AVSEC services to ensure airport and in-flight security, protect international civil aviation from illegal interference, and maintain safe air transportation of dangerous goods.

Who Is Responsible for Aviation Security in Nigeria?

The Aviation Security Service AVSEC is a division of the Director General’s Office of the Civil Aviation Authority of Nigeria. This department is responsible for the safety monitoring of the aircraft and the operating environment of the aircraft.

iJET provides airlines and airports AVSEC worldwide with advanced technologies and professional airport AVSEC solutions for aircraft passengers AVSEC , cabin crew safety, aircraft guarding and searching, catering checks, document verification, and more.

Top 10 Functions and Responsibilities of Aviation Security AVSEC Department

• Development and maintenance of Nigeria’s National Civil Aviation Security Program.
• Ensure that Nigerian airfields and airspace are safe in accordance with the International Civil Aviation Organization Conventions and the Nigerian Civil Aviation Regulations.
• Making available to airport operators, aircraft operators and other stakeholders within its territory a documented version of the relevant parts of the National Program for Civil Aviation Security.
• Define tasks among authorities, airport operators, aircraft operators and other related services (e.g. catering operators, ground handling and cargo operators, fuel stations, AVSEC service providers) to implement various aspects of the National Civil Aviation Security Program definition and adjustment.
• Ensure that airport security services at international and domestic airports are equipped with necessary support facilities, including office space, telecommunications equipment, appropriate security equipment and training facilities.
• Review and approve the security programs of airport and aircraft operators, security service providers and other stakeholders to ensure adequacy of the programs and oversee their implementation to ensure their continued effectiveness.
• Effectiveness of national civil aviation security programs, including reassessment of security measures and procedures as required by changing circumstances or unlawful interference, and implementation of necessary actions to address vulnerabilities to prevent recurrence.
• Develop, implement and maintain a national civil aviation safety training program by establishing training standards and approving aviation safety training programs by individual authorities and organizations.
• Develop and enact comprehensive national regulations and guidelines for civil aviation security.
• Setting standards, coordinating assessments and ensuring accreditation of Nigerian Aviation Security Assessors according to ICAO and Nig.CAR

Real Examples of Danger in Nigeria

Incidents of communal violence are common throughout Nigeria, especially in the Middle Belt State. Attacks can occur without warning. Aliens are not usually attacked, but they are at risk of being caught in an attack. You should pay attention to local government announcements and media reports, here are some examples:

• There has been an increase in protests and demonstrations in southeastern Nigeria Since August 9, 2021. Protests, including stay-at-home orders, are likely to continue in the Southeast region. Incidents of violence during the curfew have already been reported. You should monitor local media, avoid demonstrations and large gatherings, and follow all instructions from local police and security forces.
• On 5 June 2022, at least 40 people were killed in a church shooting in Owo, Ondo. The High Commission is in contact with local authorities. If you are in the area, watch your local media, stay alert, and follow the advice of local authorities.
• On July 5, 2022, the Federal Capital Territory’s Kuje prison was bombed and attacked by gunmen. An unknown number of prisoners, including terrorist suspects, have escaped. The Islamic State of West Africa (ISWA) has claimed responsibility. This could worsen the security situation in the Federal Capital Territory and surrounding states. Particular caution should be exercised in these areas and advice from local authorities should be followed. Violent crime, often involving firearms, has also increased in recent months on the outskirts of Abuja and across the federal metropolitan area.

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