NCAA, UK DfT Conclude Joint Aviation Security Assessment to Bolster Nigeria’s Aviation Safety Standards
The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) and the United Kingdom Department for Transport (UK DfT) have concluded a three-day Joint Aviation Security Vulnerability Assessment in Abuja, marking another step in Nigeria’s efforts to strengthen aviation security in line with international best practice.
The assessment, which held at the NCAA headquarters from 27 to 29 January 2026, was conducted under an existing Memorandum of Understanding between both countries and focused on enhancing Nigeria’s aviation security framework amid evolving global security threats.
Speaking on behalf of the Director General of Civil Aviation, Capt. Chris Najomo, the Director of Aviation Security Regulation at the NCAA, Dr Omogo Bernard, said the Authority was fully committed to addressing all observations raised during the exercise.
He assured that identified gaps would be promptly reviewed and remedial actions implemented to further improve passenger safety, safeguard critical aviation infrastructure, and enhance overall operational efficiency across Nigerian airports.
According to Dr Bernard, the joint exercise provided an opportunity for an in-depth review of key components of aviation security, including passenger and baggage screening procedures, access control measures, perimeter security arrangements, and the effectiveness of inter-agency coordination among security stakeholders operating within the aviation ecosystem.
The UK delegation, led by Mr Adam Clarkson, commended Nigeria’s adoption of a layered security approach, which aligns with the risk-based methodology recommended by the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO).
He, however, highlighted areas where further improvements could be made, particularly in standardisation of procedures, use of modern screening technologies, and continuous capacity-building for aviation security personnel.
Nigeria, as a signatory to the Chicago Convention, is required to comply with ICAO’s Annex 17 on the safeguarding of international civil aviation against acts of unlawful interference.
The NCAA, as the country’s civil aviation regulator, has in recent years intensified efforts to strengthen compliance with ICAO Standards and Recommended Practices (SARPs), especially following global concerns over insider threats, cyber risks, and the use of emerging technologies by criminal networks.
Data from ICAO indicate that effective aviation security oversight and international cooperation remain critical, as passenger traffic continues to rebound globally, with pre-pandemic levels expected to be surpassed in many regions.
Nigeria’s passenger traffic has steadily increased since 2022, placing renewed emphasis on robust security systems to manage higher volumes without compromising safety.
The collaboration with the UK DfT is part of a broader framework of bilateral and multilateral engagements aimed at improving aviation safety and security in Nigeria.
The United Kingdom has long been a key partner in aviation security capacity-building, providing technical assistance, training, and advisory support to several countries, including Nigeria, to help meet global aviation security obligations.
Industry analysts note that regular vulnerability assessments and peer reviews, such as the one concluded in Abuja, are essential for identifying risks before they escalate and for ensuring that national aviation systems remain resilient in the face of evolving threats.
The NCAA reaffirmed that outcomes from the assessment would feed into its ongoing aviation security improvement programmes, reinforcing Nigeria’s commitment to maintaining safe, secure, and internationally compliant airports for domestic and international travellers alike.
