Aviation authority raises alarm over rising safety risks at Nigerian airports
The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) has issued a strong warning to passengers against carrying hazardous or prohibited materials onto aircraft, emphasizing that such actions can endanger not only individual passengers but also the safety of entire flights.
The warning follows two separate incidents at Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, and Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport, Kano, where passengers attempted to board aircraft with substances later identified as acidic or potentially dangerous.
Two security breaches spark concern
FAAN Managing Director, Mrs. Olubunmi Kuku, disclosed the development during a media briefing in Lagos, expressing serious concern about the increasing lack of awareness among travelers regarding what constitutes “dangerous goods.”
She said the two incidents served as wake-up calls for airport authorities and passengers alike, underscoring the importance of continuous public sensitization on air safety protocols.
“We had two situations recently — one in Abuja and the other in Kano. In Abuja, a passenger attempted to enter the terminal with items that appeared to be acidic in nature,” Kuku explained.
“The aviation security officers on duty asked the passenger if the items contained acid. She became angry and even slapped some FAAN security officers who, thankfully, restrained themselves. This incident highlights a major gap in passengers’ understanding of what is classified as hazardous material.”
Understanding what counts as ‘dangerous goods’
According to FAAN, dangerous goods include any items or substances that could pose health, safety, or environmental risks if transported by air without proper precautions. These include flammable liquids, corrosive materials, pressurized gases, toxic chemicals, and certain batteries.
Kuku noted that some passengers unknowingly carry such materials due to a lack of awareness or the belief that small quantities do not pose a risk. However, she emphasized that aviation safety regulations are non-negotiable, and even minor violations could have catastrophic consequences.
“Many passengers do not realize that ordinary household items — like cleaning acids, aerosols, or rechargeable batteries — can be dangerous when exposed to certain temperatures or air pressure at high altitudes,” she said.
“Our goal is not just enforcement but education. Communication is critical, and every security agency working within the airport environment must understand and reinforce these safety standards.”
Harmonising security and safety protocols
The FAAN boss also spoke about the need for greater coordination among airport security agencies to ensure uniform enforcement of safety measures. She revealed that the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) had recently updated the National Civil Aviation Facilitation Programme, which outlines standard procedures for managing airport operations and passenger safety.
“The NCAA has released a new or updated version of the National Facilitation Programme, coordinated by the Director General. That document is now being domesticated at the airport level through our airport managers,” Kuku explained.
“We are extending it beyond the agencies under FAAN’s direct supervision to include all security agencies operating within the airport environment. While each agency has its own protocols, we believe consistency is key to ensuring safety and smooth operations.”
Commitment to global safety standards
FAAN reiterated its commitment to aligning Nigeria’s airport safety procedures with international aviation standards. The agency has pledged to increase training and awareness campaigns for both staff and travelers, aiming to minimize incidents that could jeopardize flight safety.
Mrs. Kuku assured passengers that FAAN would continue to invest in safety equipment, staff capacity development, and inter-agency cooperation to maintain the highest levels of operational security at Nigerian airports.
“We want to make our airports safer and more responsive. Safety is not negotiable, and it is a shared responsibility — between airport authorities, airlines, and passengers,” she said.
A shared responsibility for safer skies
Experts in the aviation industry have welcomed FAAN’s proactive stance, describing it as a necessary reminder at a time when security challenges and passenger traffic are on the rise. They also urged the agency to strengthen public communication channels, including signage and audio announcements, to better inform travelers about what items are prohibited.
With air travel steadily recovering post-pandemic, FAAN’s renewed safety message serves as a timely call for vigilance. Every passenger, the authority insists, must play a role in upholding Nigeria’s reputation for safe, secure, and reliable aviation.
