The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has issued a directive mandating the implementation of the Basic STP 123 course as a baseline training for all security personnel before deployment for aviation security duties.
The authority has also made certification of all aviation security screeners compulsory.
The directive will take effect from October 1, 2025.
In a circular dated March 25, 2025, the NCAA Director General, Capt. Chris Najomo, hinted that the provisions of Standard 3.4.1 of ICAO Annex 17 have been included in the National Civil Aviation Security Training Programme (NCASTP).
As a result, stakeholders under the National Civil Aviation Security Programme (NCASP), he said, are required to implement the course.
The objective of this directive is to ensure that aviation security personnel possess the necessary knowledge, skills, and competencies to effectively implement aviation security preventive measures in accordance with national and airport security programs.
The NCAA emphasized that all aviation security personnel assigned to screen persons, baggage, vehicles, and other items must undergo certification processes as stipulated in Section 3 of the National Civil Aviation Security Certification Programme (NCASCP).
The directive applies to various stakeholders, including aerodrome operators, aircraft operators, air traffic service providers, cargo and mail providers, ground handling providers, catering providers, aviation security service providers, and other aviation allied service providers.
These stakeholders are required to:
provide AVSEC STP 123 (Basic) training to all security personnel performing aviation security duties at the airport as baseline training.
They are also expected to provide AVSEC STP 123 (Basic) training to all new employees recruited to perform AVSEC duties as baseline/initial training before they are deployed to work independently.
Lastly, operators are expected to make available training records and certificates to NCAA during inspections or audits as evidence for personnel who have undergone AVSEC STP 123 (Basic) training.
The NCAA’s directive, Najomo said, is aimed at enhancing the effectiveness of aviation security measures in Nigeria and ensure compliance with international standards and recommended practices.
