Nigeria Launches New Aviation Security Team to Stay Ahead of Global Threats
In a move that carries strong implications for the entire African aviation sector, Nigeria has officially established a National Aviation Security Risk Management Team. The announcement was made by Director General of Civil Aviation, Captain Chris Najomo, at the headquarters of the Civil Aviation Authority in Abuja. This development marks a significant shift in how Africa's most populous nation intends to handle safety in its airspace and at its airports.
The core idea behind this initiative is simple but powerful. Rather than waiting for security incidents to happen and then responding, Nigeria is now adopting a risk-based oversight model. This approach means identifying potential dangers before they become real problems. It is a forward-looking strategy that puts prevention at the centre of everything. For professionals in the African travel trade, this is welcome news, as stronger aviation security directly supports passenger confidence and smoother operations across the continent.
Captain Najomo was clear in his message during the inauguration. He stated that the new team brings Nigeria in line with the standards and recommendations of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), the global body that sets the rules for safe and secure air travel. Meeting these benchmarks is not just about compliance. It also positions Nigeria as a more attractive destination and transit hub for international airlines and travellers, which could open up fresh opportunities for tour operators and booking agents across sub-Saharan Africa.
What makes this team stand out is its inter-agency structure. Experts from different government departments and security sectors have been brought together under one roof. This united approach is designed to be more flexible and responsive than older, separate systems. The team has been tasked with maintaining what is called a National Aviation Security Risk Register. In practical terms, this means they will continuously monitor the civil aviation environment, spot weaknesses, and advise the government with up-to-date, evidence-based recommendations.
The areas of focus are wide-ranging. They include counter-terrorism measures, protection against unlawful interference with aircraft, and tackling insider threats — a growing concern in airports worldwide. These are not challenges unique to Nigeria. Airports and airlines across the globe are dealing with increasingly sophisticated risks, and Africa is no exception. By taking this step, Nigeria is showing that it wants to be part of the solution rather than simply reacting to problems after the fact.
Dr. Bernard Omogo, who has been appointed chairman of the new team, expressed strong optimism about what lies ahead. He highlighted the depth of expertise within the group and promised a new standard of professionalism in protecting the country's airports and passengers. His words carry weight at a time when many African nations are investing heavily in aviation infrastructure and looking for ways to make air travel safer, more reliable, and more appealing to both domestic and international markets.
For those working in the African travel industry, developments like this deserve close attention. When a major aviation market like Nigeria strengthens its security framework, it sends a positive signal to airlines, foreign governments, and global tourism bodies. It can lead to better bilateral agreements, increased flight frequencies, and fewer disruptions — all of which benefit agents who sell routes involving Nigerian airports.
The broader takeaway is encouraging. Africa's aviation landscape is maturing, and countries are increasingly willing to invest in the kind of proactive, intelligence-driven security that the rest of the world expects. Nigeria's latest move is a clear statement of intent: the country is not just keeping up with global standards, but actively working to set the pace for the continent.
