US transport agency scores aviation high

A United States team of Transportation Security Administration (TSA) officials has scored the nation’s civil aviation sector high.

This observation was made known when the team paid a courtesy call on the Hon. Minister of Aviation, Mrs. Fidelia Akuabata Njeze, following the completion of an assessment tour of the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos and Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport , Abuja .

The team, which arrived Lagos at the weekend, also conducted the assessment of United Airlines, Delta Airline and Arik Air in compliance with ICAO security standards from March 12-13. While in Lagos, the team observed the passenger check-in procedures, hold baggage screening, catering and cargo acceptance procedures and expressed satisfaction with the security procedures in place.

Led by Ray Montgomery, the team arrived at the Abuja airport on Monday, March 14, and was impressed by the level of work achieved on the perimeter fence and procedures at passenger screening and identification systems.

Montgomery said there had been remarkable improvement in the last two years and commended the minister for the renewed focus.

He noted that over the years, the TSA has maintained a strong relationship with the Ministry of Aviation and expressed the desire to strenghten it, adding that the collaboration would enhance human capacity building, information sharing, assessment and compliance, as well as foster reforms in areas that both sides will continue to work on.

Mrs.Nleze said the outcome of the assessment is a testimony of the government’s commitment to safety and security at the nation’s airports. “It is this same level of commitment that earned the country Category 1 certification and as such, the government is mindful of the importance of sustaining this highly sought after recognition,” she said.

She solicited the continued support of the TSA, ” especially in the area of training and capacity building,’’ so as to meet the challenges that come with the dynamic terrain of the civil aviation industry.

Source : The Nation