Contrary to the claims in some quarters that the of the scanning equipment deplored by Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) at major airports are not functional and unable to detect some hidden objects in passengers luggage, Managing Director of the airports authority, Engr. Saleh Dunoma has debunked such claims, stating that all the scanning machines and other security equipment deployed in the nation’s airports function optimally and can detect any foreign object hidden in any baggage or on passengers passing through them.
Correcting the wrong notion on the airport’s security equipment, Dunoma on Tuesday told journalists at the first edition of resuscitated Gateway Forum organised by members of the League of Aviation and Airport Correspondents (LAAC), that the scanners can detect any suspicious material in a baggage during screening. He also added the efficiency of the technology are complemented with qualified security personnel.
“The scanners we are using now can only detect any suspicious material in a baggage during screening. And if the operator is not satisfied, he will do manual checking of the baggage. If he is satisfied, he will allow it to pass. So it was by manual checking that the drugs were discovered, based on what the scanner displayed on the screen,” he said.
The LAAC Gateway Forum is a platform for notable stakeholders in aviation industry in the country to give accounts of their stewardship, plans for the industry and challenges they face in the course of carrying out their businesses in the sector.
Besides ensuring that the equipments are working at optimal conditions, Dunoma said FAAN is not resting on its oars at ensuring that improved technology are deployed even as human beings manning them are given the best of trainings available regularly, to ensure water tight security in all its 22 airports across the country.
“We are going to acquire new technology of scanners that can detect anything. The machine is currently being tested and waiting certification for use in airports. We do not have it here now, but the ones we have now are still very useful. We also have hand-held detectors which we are using, and we are going to acquire the new technology for efficiency,” Dunoma said.
The FAAN boss who proved his point with the recent interception of 7.2 kilograms of methamphetamine and ephedrine and arrest of two Mozambique nationals in connection with the proscribed substances, at the MMIA by FAAN’s Aviation Security personnel in collaboration with operatives s of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), said the arrest proved that the machines were functional, just as the complementary roles of the skilled AVSEC officials added to the efficiency.
The FAAN boss also disclosed that the agency had awarded two contracts, at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos and Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport , Abuja, for the installation of Close Circuit Television, CCTV to monitor movement of airport users, especially at the airside.
The projects, according to him, are at the stage of completion, and should be commissioned for use very soon.
“We’ll also install a mobile technology that can see up to seven kilometers. If you try to penetrate unlawful, the surveillance system will detect it. By the time all the technologies are put in place security will be water-tight,” he said.
Earlier on his arrival at the press centre, Dunoma was met with a surprise when members of the League led by their Chairman, Mr. Olusegun Koiki invited the FAAN boss to officially commission the centre named after him; in recognition of his efforts at ensuring that journalists have a comfortable place where they can practise their professions at all times.
Engr. Dunoma is the first Chief Executive Officer of any parastatal in aviation industry in Nigeria to be so honoured.
