The federal government has cautioned politicians to desist from encouraging their supporters to access restricted areas of the airports, insisting that such action constitute security threat to travellers and other airport users.
Also, following the recent invasion of the Sultan Abubakar 111 International Airport, Sokoto, by the supporters of the former Governor of the state, Senator Aliu Wamakko, the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) has been directed to designate an area at every airport in the country, especially domestic airports where supporters of political parties should wait and receive their leaders.
The Minister of State for Aviation, Hadi Sirika, gave the warning yesterday after a meeting with the Managing Director of FAAN, Saleh Dunoma, and the Director General of the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), Captain Muhtar Usman, in Abuja.
The meeting was convened following last Friday’s invasion of the Sultan Abubakar 111 International Airport, Sokoto, by the supporters of Wamakko.
The minister condemned the invasion, saying it is against global standard practices and insisted that a solution must be found to avert such incidents in the future.
In reaction to the incident, NCAA in a statement said it has commenced a full scale investigation into the wanton security violation.
It called on FAAN, the police and other security agencies to continue to work together to ensure that all airports are safe and secure for airline operations.
Spokesman of NCAA, Mr. Sam Adurogboye, said the agency would carry out full scale investigation into the incident.
“The Nigerian Civil Aviation Regulations (Nig.CARs) Part 17.48.3(c), which stipulate that access by persons and vehicles to restricted areas, enhanced security restricted areas and sterile areas are restricted only to persons who have a clear need for such access by virtue of their duties,” Adurogboye said.
He stated that the NCAA would not tolerate the reoccurrence of any such safety and security violations at any of the country’s airports, adding that in view of the anticipated increase in aviation activities, FAAN as well as other State and private aerodrome operators should beef up safety and security systems at their airports.
The agency also cautioned the public to desist from the unlawful acts, adding that it will not hesitate to impose severe sanctions on any person, group of persons or organisations found culpable.
