Nigeria Launches National Aviation Security Risk Team to Strengthen Threat Detection, Compliance
The Director-General of Civil Aviation, Chris Najomo, has inaugurated the National Aviation Security Risk Management Team (NASRMT) in a decisive move aimed at reinforcing Nigeria’s aviation safety architecture through a modern risk-based oversight system.
The inauguration ceremony, held on 25 February 2026 at the corporate headquarters of the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority in Abuja, marked what officials described as a major milestone in the country’s evolving aviation security framework.
Speaking at the event, Najomo emphasised that the new inter-agency body reflects Nigeria’s determination to proactively safeguard its civil aviation space against unlawful interference, terrorism, insider threats, and emerging risks.
According to him, the creation of the multi-sectoral team aligns directly with global standards set by the International Civil Aviation Organization, particularly the provisions of Annex 17 on aviation security.
He added that it also represents Nigeria’s targeted implementation of recommendations arising from a recently concluded ICAO Risk Management Workshop, signalling the country’s commitment to international best practices.
Najomo urged members of the newly inaugurated team to discharge their duties with dedication, professionalism, and unity of purpose, stressing that effective collaboration among agencies remains vital to maintaining robust aviation security in an increasingly complex threat environment.
In his closing remarks, the team’s chairman and NCAA Director of Aviation Security Regulation, Bernard Omogo, expressed appreciation for the trust placed in the team’s members. He voiced confidence in their collective expertise and capacity to deliver on the mandate of safeguarding Nigeria’s aviation system through evidence-based risk management strategies.
Members of the NASRMT also commended the Director-General for what they described as a proactive and forward-looking initiative, pledging their full commitment to ensuring that Nigeria’s civil aviation domain remains safe, resilient, and globally compliant.
The team’s core responsibilities include identifying, assessing, and mitigating risks within the aviation sector; developing and maintaining a national aviation security risk register; conducting periodic risk assessments across the aviation environment; and advising government and regulatory authorities on timely policy measures grounded in data-driven analysis.
Industry observers note that the establishment of the NASRMT places Nigeria among countries strengthening intelligence-led aviation security systems, a model widely recognised as essential for anticipating threats rather than merely reacting to them.
