A team of auditors from the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) has arrived in Abuja to commence the 2024 ICAO Universal Security Audit Programme (USAP) utilizing the Continuous Monitoring Approach (CMA) at the Lagos and Abuja airports, starting March 11, 2024.
The announcement was made by Michael Achimugu, the Director of Public Affairs & Consumer Protection at the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), via the Authority’s official channels. The audit, scheduled to last two weeks until March 22, 2024, will cover various critical areas, including Inflight Security, Passenger and Baggage Security, Acts of Unlawful Interference, Facilitation, Legislation, Training, Quality Control Function, Operations, and Cargo, Mail, and Catering.
Led by Callum Vine, a four-member team comprising James Mabala, Tebogo Mphela, and Alagie Jeng will conduct the airport security audit. Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Mr. Festus Keyamo, represented by the Ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Dr. Emmanuel Meribole, welcomed the team, emphasizing the importance of the Universal Security Audit Program in maintaining stringent security standards across Nigeria’s aviation sector.
Capt. Chris Ona Najomo, the Acting Director General of Civil Aviation in Nigeria, expressed optimism about Nigeria’s commitment to enhancing aviation security, anticipating a higher rating in the audit compared to the previous assessment conducted in 2015. He highlighted the recent Aviation Security Mock Audit by the Banjul Accord Group Aviation Safety Oversight Organization as part of the preparations for the USAP CMA exercise.
