How to fund security at airports, by expert
How to fund security at airports, by expert
An aviation security expert, Mr Ayo Obilana has canvassed setting aside five per cent of revenues accruing from airports operations as source of funding for security at such facilities.
According to Obilana, who is chief executive officer, Selective Securities Limited , the five per cent should factored as security levy or tax to secure airports and other facilities from unlawful harm and damage by people with sinister desire.
Speaking at the 22nd edition of the Airports Correspondents Seminar in Lagos, last week, governments across the globe has new thinking concerning aviation security after the September, 2001 terrorist attacks in the United States.
Obilana said experience has shown in Nigeria that direct funding of airport security by government is not working due to pilfering with funds allocated for such purpose.
He identifies corruption and sharp practices which are ways and means security funds were tampered with as Nigerian factor.
He cited how funds meant for security was used for procuring BMW vehicles and the scandal that erupted thereafter.
He raised concerns on why many foreign countries were wary to assist Nigeria with funds for airport security because of corruption and funds diversion by people saddled with such task.
According to him, poor remuneration of airport security personnel, has triggered extortion, corruption and other tendencies that propel insider threat.
He recommended ridding the system of malpractices and instilling of severe sanctions; closure of identified gaps and a transparent procedure as well as putting in place a security levy or tax to enable the authorities secure airport infrastructure.
In particular, he canvassed a review and audit of existing systems; outsourcing of security functions ; budgetary considerations; strategic and prudent spending; commitment; joint training of all agencies ; acquisition of modern security gadgets and technology access control as ways to improve security at the airport.
In related development, former Director General of NCAA, Dr Harold Demuren Nigerian operators could tap into the aircraft maintenance market by putting in place a sound business plan.
Besides such plan, Demuren said aircraft maintenance facilities could be profitable if operators work together by pooling resources, competent management, scheduling aircraft , low interest on loans and harnessing of aviation for national development.
He said issues concerning the cost of land around airports remains a major disincentive to would be investors.
He said the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), should adopt a policy to give out land at no costs to attract investors; lower funding and attract investment in tooling hangar and manpower.
Demuren hinted that partnerships is key in setting up MRO which does not need to be full circle; as the facility could handle certain aspects of maintenance.
He said airlines could be small, weak and successful if it sticks to niche markets.
On trends, he said aircraft around the world are being modernized,saying such could affect MRO needs, which must consider new technologies in aircraft manufacture.
Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEMs), he said are now trying to get a grip in the market as it affects maintenance.
African markets for MRO, he noted is over $2billion, which is a huge market that should be exploited by African carriers and governments desirous to grow the aviation industry.
He laments the absence of MROs in West Africa taking cognizance at aircraft type available for line maintenance and the possibility of business for potential investors.
He noted that the faulty business plan of the $100 million investment in Uyo by the Akwa Ibom State Government, which is lying fallow, could be turned around challenging domestic operators to take up the gauntlet to make the facility operational; without necessarily seeking government approval.
Noting that MRO is a hugely capital intensive ventures, partnerships; through joint ventures is the way to go.
The African market is worth over $2.5 billion; if properly harnessed through partnership that is based on competence and the right expertise, the continent will get it right on the global scale.
.
An aviation security expert, Mr Ayo Obilana has canvassed setting aside five per cent of revenues accruing from airports operations as source of funding for security at such facilities.
According to Obilana, who is chief executive officer, Selective Securities Limited , the five per cent should factored as security levy or tax to secure airports and other facilities from unlawful harm and damage by people with sinister desire.
Speaking at the 22nd edition of the Airports Correspondents Seminar in Lagos, last week, governments across the globe has new thinking concerning aviation security after the September, 2001 terrorist attacks in the United States.
Obilana said experience has shown in Nigeria that direct funding of airport security by government is not working due to pilfering with funds allocated for such purpose.
He identifies corruption and sharp practices which are ways and means security funds were tampered with as Nigerian factor.
He cited how funds meant for security was used for procuring BMW vehicles and the scandal that erupted thereafter.
He raised concerns on why many foreign countries were wary to assist Nigeria with funds for airport security because of corruption and funds diversion by people saddled with such task.
According to him, poor remuneration of airport security personnel, has triggered extortion, corruption and other tendencies that propel insider threat.
He recommended ridding the system of malpractices and instilling of severe sanctions; closure of identified gaps and a transparent procedure as well as putting in place a security levy or tax to enable the authorities secure airport infrastructure.
In particular, he canvassed a review and audit of existing systems; outsourcing of security functions ; budgetary considerations; strategic and prudent spending; commitment; joint training of all agencies ; acquisition of modern security gadgets and technology access control as ways to improve security at the airport.
In related development, former Director General of NCAA, Dr Harold Demuren Nigerian operators could tap into the aircraft maintenance market by putting in place a sound business plan.
Besides such plan, Demuren said aircraft maintenance facilities could be profitable if operators work together by pooling resources, competent management, scheduling aircraft , low interest on loans and harnessing of aviation for national development.
He said issues concerning the cost of land around airports remains a major disincentive to would be investors.
He said the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), should adopt a policy to give out land at no costs to attract investors; lower funding and attract investment in tooling hangar and manpower.
Demuren hinted that partnerships is key in setting up MRO which does not need to be full circle; as the facility could handle certain aspects of maintenance.
He said airlines could be small, weak and successful if it sticks to niche markets.
On trends, he said aircraft around the world are being modernized,saying such could affect MRO needs, which must consider new technologies in aircraft manufacture.
Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEMs), he said are now trying to get a grip in the market as it affects maintenance.
African markets for MRO, he noted is over $2billion, which is a huge market that should be exploited by African carriers and governments desirous to grow the aviation industry.
He laments the absence of MROs in West Africa taking cognizance at aircraft type available for line maintenance and the possibility of business for potential investors.
He noted that the faulty business plan of the $100 million investment in Uyo by the Akwa Ibom State Government, which is lying fallow, could be turned around challenging domestic operators to take up the gauntlet to make the facility operational; without necessarily seeking government approval.
Noting that MRO is a hugely capital intensive ventures, partnerships; through joint ventures is the way to go.
The African market is worth over $2.5 billion; if properly harnessed through partnership that is based on competence and the right expertise, the continent will get it right on the global scale.
.
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