Kehinde Fajobi
The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, has raised concerns about the harassment of Nigerians by some security agents at airports across the country.
Speaking on Channels Television’s Sunday Politics, Keyamo revealed that his ministry has reported these issues to the National Security Adviser (NSA), Nuhu Ribadu.
“We have complained to the National Security Adviser on this because we are concerned about the harassment of Nigerians,” he said.
Keyamo clarified that these incidents do not involve officials of the aviation ministry but members of other agencies stationed at the airports.
“Take note, it is not aviation, it is not Keyamo. I see people tagging me all the time, ‘somebody just asked for a bribe from me,’ but it is somebody from another agency. They tag me all the time. It is not me, it is not aviation. We have to complain to the office of the National Security Adviser who is doing a lot on this,” he explained.
To address the issue, Keyamo disclosed that the NSA has procured approximately 1,000 body cameras for security operatives at the airports. He noted that training for the use of these cameras is nearing completion.
“I have mentioned before, that the training is almost over now. He bought 1,000 body cameras that all the agencies will wear. We just want to go through the training first. There is a command centre for this where everybody will see exactly the moving cameras on everybody’s chest,” he said.
While rejecting calls to remove most security agencies from airports, Keyamo stressed the importance of monitoring their activities to meet operational standards.
“These agencies should be at the airports, but they should be out of you. They should have their cubicles inside. It is when you suspect somebody that you pull him out and take him to a restricted zone and check the person,” he stated.
He also referenced the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency’s (NDLEA) success in apprehending drug traffickers at airports as a reason for their continued presence.
“Not that every stop you see NDLEA checking your bag, DSS checking your bag, and all that – that is what we don’t want. That is what Nigerians don’t want, and that is why we must do to please Nigerians,” Keyamo concluded.