NCAA issues fresh security directive to airlines

Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority has issued fresh security directive to domestic airlines, ordering them to ensure that intending passengers are properly identified before being allowed to board the aircraft.The directive is said to be in accordance with Part 17, Regulation 83 of the Nigeria Civil Aviation Regulations and Section 13.7 of the National Civil Aviation Security Programme.According to the Director-General, NCAA, Dr. Harold Demuren, the directive took effect from July 7.

The directive stated among other things that intending passengers not properly identified should be denied boarding by airline officials.

The directive titled, ‘Security Measures at Nigerian Airports’, read, “The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority reminds all airlines of the existing directive that requires all intending passengers to be positively identified prior to boarding with a photo identity document. The name of each passenger must be matched to the photo on the identity document produced by the passenger.”

The NCAA also reminds all passengers that no person may use another person’s ticket or boarding pass to travel in Nigeria. The name on each passenger’s ticket and boarding pass must match the name on his or her photo identity document.

“Any passenger that fails to comply with this directive shall be denied boarding,” the agency said.

A statement by the Special Assistant (Media) to the Minister of Aviation, Mr Joe Obi, said the move was part of the efforts to boost safety and security procedures in and around the nation’s airports.

The statement said, “Under the directive, all airlines are to ensure that all passengers are positively identified by matching each passenger’s name with the photo Identity document produced or presented by the passenger.”

The directive came just the Nigeria Customs Services at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, last week seized two air Barretta Pistols, 10 pieces of bullet proof vests, five pieces of jacket knives and three pieces of military camouflage attire from a South African Airways passenger.

The NCS claimed that the passenger, Mr. Bashir Alli, attempted to smuggle the weapons into the country aboard the airline without permit from relevant authorities.

The Customs Area Controller, Mr. Eporwei Charles Edeke, alleged that the suspect attempted to bribe the customs officers on duty at the airport with $400 when he was approached to surrender his bags for routine search.

Other items impounded included 10 pieces of jacket bullet proofs, five pieces of big bullet proofs, three pieces of overall uniforms, two pieces of semi -automatic military uniforms, military combat caps, fez caps, eight pieces of purse, walkie talkie, shockers, knee pads, tear gas, head caps, chargers flight light, radios, batons and traffic bars.

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