The Federal Executive Council has approved a N3.23 billion contract for the supply and installation of customized explosive and narcotic detection screening systems in five international airports across Nigeria, in a bid to address challenges associated with delays at the nation’s airport terminals.
Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, revealed this development at the end of the weekly council meeting which was presided over by President Bola Tinubu at the Council Chamber, Presidential Villa, Abuja.
Keyamo emphasized that the detection screening systems, which will include a drive view mechanism, will be installed at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja; Murtala Mohammed International Airport, Lagos; Mallam Aminu Kano Airport, Kano; Akanu Ibiam International Airport, Enugu; and Port Harcourt Airport, Rivers State.
Explaining the need for the equipment, Keyamo highlighted the aim to alleviate the harrowing experiences faced by passengers during airport screenings, stating, “We thought we should do something like you have the TSA in America, where you have detection machines. So when they pass your bags through the machines, they detect explosives or anything else, and that’s the end of the search.”
He added, “So it’s for the approval of the award of contract for the supply and installation of customised explosive and narcotic detection screening systems with remote and dual view for the international airports of Abuja, Lagos, Kano, Port Harcourt, and Enugu.”
Meanwhile, the Council also approved the Draft National Response for the United Nations Human Rights Universal Periodic Review, as presented by the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, SAN. This was in response to inquiries by the international body on alleged human rights abuses in the country.
The move to enhance security and streamline airport processes is indicative of the government’s commitment to improving travel experiences and ensuring compliance with global standards.
