- Minister Festus Keyamo pledged to address harassment of Nigerians by airport security personnel, emphasizing the need for better oversight and accountability
- The National Security Adviser has procured 1,000 body cameras for airport security personnel to monitor their actions and curb misconduct
The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, has vowed to tackle the harassment of Nigerians by security personnel at airports across the country.
Speaking during an appearance on Channels Television’s Sunday Politics, Keyamo disclosed that his ministry had raised concerns regarding the issue with the National Security Adviser (NSA), Nuhu Ribadu.
“We are deeply worried about the harassment Nigerians face at airports,” Keyamo stated. “We have already complained to the National Security Adviser about this problem.”
He clarified that the aviation ministry is not directly responsible for security operatives’ misconduct but emphasized the need for better oversight of their activities.
To address the issue, Keyamo revealed that the NSA has procured 1,000 body cameras for airport security personnel. The cameras will help monitor their actions and curb harassment.
“Training for the use of these cameras is almost complete. A command center will monitor camera footage to ensure accountability,” Keyamo explained.
While acknowledging the importance of security agencies in curbing crimes like drug trafficking, the minister rejected calls to remove most of them from airports.
“These agencies play a vital role in preventing criminal activities, but their operations must not disrupt passengers. They should operate discreetly, only intervening when someone is suspected of wrongdoing,” Keyamo concluded.
He cited recent arrests by the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) as evidence of the essential role of airport security operatives and stressed the need for professionalism in their conduct.