22 Airports Get Modern Detectors

The federal government
has procured and deployed hi-tech three in one liquid, metal and explosive detection screening equipment at the 22 airports managed by the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN).
Head corporate communication of the Authority Mr Yakubu Dati said in a statement that the step was to forestall any possible security breach by passengers as terrorist and their cohorts become more sophisticated by the day.
Mr Dati explained that the deployment of hi-tech security equipment became imperative as part of efforts by government to raise the bar in airport safety and security.
He said the equipment have been fully installed at the Murtala Muhammed Airport Lagos and the Nnamdi Azikiwe Airport Abuja.
The Corporate Communication boss hinted that government has also procured over 46 fire tenders for FAAN to ensure adequate fire cover for the 22 airports in line with the requirement of the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO).
According to him, in July 2011, the authority had only 20 fire tenders which was upgrade to meet the prescribed standards and requirements of ICAO for Nigerian airports.
“Also between July 2011 and October 2013 FAAN procured and deployed hi-tech 3-in-1 (liquids, metals and explosive detection) screening equipment at all FAAN controlled airports. FAAN has fully complied with ICAO standards for firefighting and rescue operations equipment. Before July 2001, there were only 20 fire tenders available but now FAAN has 46 fire tenders,” Dati said.
Commenting on the airport remodeling he said air conditioning system at airports are being fixed and stand-by power systems are being improved on in addition to the procurement and installation of new baggage belt systems, lifts and escalators.
“This has been done in order to bring Nigeria at par with what obtains in other advanced airports in the world as well as create a new ambulance for all the airport terminals”, he said.
He disclosed that additional 450 brand new kits which include personal protective clothing have been provided for all firemen and women as against the old and worn out kits obtained in the past.

The last batch of Christian Prigrims arriving the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja, recently. Photo: NAN