Airports Harassment: Minister of Aviation Calls for Improved Security Protocols
Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, has expressed concern over the reports of harassment faced by passengers at various airports in Nigeria. Keyamo, in an interview on Channels Television’s Sunday Politics, disclosed that his ministry has formally complained to the National Security Adviser (NSA) about the situation.
Keyamo highlighted that despite these incidents not being within his ministry’s jurisdiction, he has taken the initiative to address the issue because of his concern for the well-being of Nigerian passengers.
During the interview, Keyamo emphasized that the aviation ministry is working closely with the NSA to implement new measures to ensure a safer and more efficient airport experience. He noted that the NSA has already acquired over 1,000 body cameras for security agencies, which will be used to monitor activities at the airports once the training is completed.
However, Keyamo disagreed with calls to remove most security agencies from the airports, stating that their presence is necessary to ensure effective surveillance and deterrence. He cited the successful arrests of drug traffickers by the National Drug Law and Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) as an example of the importance of having security agencies at the airports.
To improve the situation, Keyamo suggested that security agencies should have designated areas within the airport, rather than interacting with passengers in public areas. This, he believes, will help to maintain a more secure and less intimidating environment for travelers.
