The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) hosted a landmark High-Level Aviation Security Stakeholders’ Symposium at the Radisson Blu Hotel, Ikeja GRA, Lagos, drawing together key players across Nigeria’s aviation ecosystem.
With the central theme, “Fundamentality of Aviation Security in Achieving the Safe-Skies Goal,” the event marked a pivotal moment in the nation’s pursuit of a more secure, resilient, and globally compliant air transport system.
In a series of powerful goodwill messages, industry leaders from the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA), Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), Pathfinders International Limited, and Bi-Courtney Aviation Services Ltd. underscored the urgent need for coordinated efforts to tackle emerging aviation security threats and elevate Nigeria’s compliance with international best practices.
Representing NAMA, Isemiuhonmon Rita Egbadon, in a message delivered on behalf of the Managing Director, Engr. Farouk Umar Ahmed, emphasised four critical challenges inhibiting aviation security effectiveness: lack of synergy among security agencies, inadequate investment in modern infrastructure, poor personnel motivation, and recruitment lapses.
Egbadon called for a coordinated national aviation security framework, robust investment in cutting-edge technology, and strict adherence to merit-based recruitment standards to reinforce Nigeria’s airspace integrity.
Mrs. Olubunmi Kuku, Managing Director of FAAN, commended the NCAA’s foresight and described the symposium as “timely and significant.”
She stressed the importance of fostering collaboration, promoting security governance, and strengthening compliance with ICAO Annex 17.
According to her, “our collective expertise will shape the future of aviation security in Nigeria,” as she reaffirmed FAAN’s commitment to evolving security mechanisms in response to emerging global threats.
Also lending strong support, Nkechi Onyenso, MD/CEO of Pathfinders International Limited, praised NCAA’s leadership and reiterated her company’s commitment to strengthening aviation security through training, consultancy, and innovative threat response frameworks.
“Our collaboration with NCAA and other institutions has helped position Nigeria as a beacon of safety and security in the African aviation landscape,” Onyenso noted.
From the private airport operator front, Monica Oguta, Head of Aviation Security at Bi-Courtney Aviation Services Ltd. (MMA2), highlighted their continuous investments in intelligence-led security, enhanced surveillance, and inter-agency cooperation.
She stated that Bi-Courtney remains steadfast in its alignment with NCAA and ICAO standards, championing a proactive security culture at MMA2 and beyond.
The symposium served as a critical platform for cross-sector engagement, encouraging candid dialogue on the intersection of innovation, policy, and frontline operations.
With common themes of collaboration, capacity-building, and technological integration running through each message, the consensus was clear: aviation security must evolve from reactive containment to proactive deterrence.
As the Nigerian aviation industry continues to grow in volume and complexity, events like this underscore the vital role of unified strategy and stakeholder synergy in achieving the “Safe Skies” objective.
The NCAA’s initiative not only reaffirms Nigeria’s commitment to secure air travel but sets a progressive tone for future security collaborations across the West African sub-region.
