UN trains aviation security officials in counter terrorism

To combat the spate of terrorism threats globally, the United Nations Aviation School Project has commenced training of all Aviation Security (AVSEC) personnel in Nigeria.

The objective is to effectively mitigate the threat posed to civil aviation by terrorist organizations. It will also provide a key element for a robust national aviation security policy to meet global standards in infrastructure, safety and security.

In addition, this initiative would enhance the capacity within the UN system to help interested member states to implement the multiple dimension of countering terrorism.

The 120-day training tagged ‘’Train the Trainer’’ commenced on Monday, 6^th March, 2017, simultaneously in Lagos and Abuja.

The UN-initiated programme comprises of 34 Aviation Security personnel from both Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) and the Federal Airport Authority of Nigeria (FAAN). While NCAA has four (4 nos), FAAN who provides security surveillance at all the airports has thirty (30 nos) participants.

The training is currently holding at both FAAN Training School in Lagos and at the NCAA Training Hall at Abuja.

A total number of 25 countries were considered and Nigeria was chosen for the pilot programme. This is in appreciation of its clear and well-documented roadmap on developing the aviation sector, with particular emphasis on safety and security.

The train the trainer programme, is being anchored by Redline Assured Security Company of United Kingdom on behalf of the UN while the Director General of the NCAA, Captain Muhtar Usman is coordinating on behalf of the Federal Government of Nigeria.

The UN Project coordinator is Mr. Douglas Melvin and the four Aviation Security trainers for Lagos are Neil Coull, Clare Broolley, Kelly Porter and Ish Rahman.

It will be recalled that the UN General Assembly adopted the Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy on September 8, 2008. Aviation School Project is one the programmes for implementation.

Signed:

Sam Adurogboye,

GM, Public Relations,

NCAA.