FEC Greenlights N3.2 Billion Boost: State-of-the-Art Airport Scanners Set for Procurement

The Federal Minister of Aviation and Aerospace, Festus Keyamo, announced on Monday that the Federal Executive Council had approved a sum of N3.2 billion for the acquisition of state-of-the-art scanners for deployment in five key international airports across Nigeria. This significant development aims to enhance airport security measures and streamline the screening process for passengers.

Speaking after the FEC meeting presided over by President Bola Tinubu, Keyamo highlighted the key benefits of the proposed procurement. He emphasized that the new airport scanners would eliminate the need for physical searches of passengers’ bags by airport officials, addressing a longstanding concern among the Nigerian public.

Keyamo explained, “Since I came to office, we have been inundated with complaints about the harrowing experiences that passengers go through at the airport, where officials from various agencies physically search their bags. It has been really getting under the skin of Nigerians.” In response to these challenges, the government aims to implement a system similar to the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) in the United States, where advanced detection machines can identify explosives or other prohibited items, minimizing the need for manual searches.

The Federal Executive Council approved an award of contracts totaling N3.2 billion for the supply and installation of customized explosives and narcotics detection screening systems. These systems will feature remote and dual-view capabilities, enhancing their efficiency and accuracy in detecting security threats.

Keyamo specified that the international airports in Abuja, Lagos, Kano, Port-Harcourt, and Enugu are the designated recipients of these modern scanners. This strategic deployment aims to strengthen security measures at key entry points into the country.

In addition to the approval for the procurement of advanced airport scanners, Keyamo also revealed another significant decision made during the FEC meeting – the ratification of Nigeria’s bilateral air service agreement with the Republic of Guyana. This agreement, originally signed in 2014, had awaited ratification for nine years until it was addressed in the recent FEC session.

Explaining the importance of this ratification, Keyamo stated, “We have entered into an agreement with Guyana, a South American country. They have been very anxious to have direct flights from Guyana to Nigeria. This agreement was entered into way back in 2014 with the administration at that time, but it required ratification by the Executive, and that is what was done today.”

The ratification of the bilateral air service agreement with Guyana opens up the possibility of direct flights between the two countries. This development aligns with Nigeria’s commitment to fostering international partnerships and expanding its air connectivity network.

In conclusion, the FEC’s approval of the N3.2 billion fund for advanced airport scanners reflects the government’s commitment to enhancing aviation security and improving the overall travel experience for passengers. Additionally, the ratification of the bilateral air service agreement with Guyana marks a positive step toward strengthening diplomatic and economic ties between Nigeria and South America. These developments underscore the government’s proactive approach to addressing key challenges and fostering international cooperation in the aviation sector.