NCAA Set Agenda for National Facilitation Committee

The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has inaugurated the National Facilitation Committee. It is expected to serve as a vehicle for carrying out the National Facilitation Programme.

This is pursuant to the recommendation of the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) stipulating that each contracting state shall establish a National Facilitation Committee.

Mr Sam Adurogboye, deputy general manager, Public Relations, (NCAA), in a press statement at the weekend, said that the responsibilities of the National Facilitation Committee is to designate Customs airports in Nigeria, develop procedures through which operators of scheduled and non-scheduled services may request permission to land or depart from customs airports and arrange for border inspection services at the customs airports.

Develop programmes for control of security problems such as documents fraud, illegal migration, smuggling and touting. Support the interested border control agencies in the establishment and maintenance of effective inspection systems at the airports and in their efforts to rationalise their respective procedures.

He added that, It shall also coordinate preparations for clearing large numbers of passengers, especially during holy pilgrimages.

Establish, review and amend as necessary the national policies regarding prevention of the spread of contagious diseases by air, especially aircraft disinfection, public health related quarantine programmes and screening measures to be applied in a health emergency.

The Nigerian National Facilitation Committee (NNFC) shall meet bi-annually except in cases of emergency. Venue of the meeting shall be determined by the chairman of the committee.

In corollary, the Airport Facilitation shall meet every quarterly and the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) shall serve as the secretariat of the NNFC.

Alhaji Adamu expressed happiness that the committee has finally been inaugurated as it had been signed into law since 2007.

At the inauguration which was held at the NCAA’s Annex Conference Facility, Alhaji Adamu Abdullahi, the Director of Consumer Protection (DCP) who represented the Ag.Director General, Engr. Benedict Adeyileka said the committee is composed of the Heads of government agencies and the chief executive officers of the national organisations representing the aircraft operators and airport operators.

However, Alhaji Adamu stated that for the purpose of carrying out the work of the committee, the members may designate one or more middle level management staff in their respective organisations to represent them in meetings at the working group level.

The primary responsibility for the National Facilitation Committee is domiciled with the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) in Nigeria.

He added that the purpose of the National Facilitation Programme is to implement the Chicago Convention mandate that contracting states shall provide for and facilitate the border – crossing formalities that must be accomplished with respect to aircraft engaged in international operations, their passengers, crews and cargo.

The DCP continued by revealing that membership of the committee which will be headed by the NCAA Director General, shall comprise of the following, Aviation Ministry, Customs, Immigration, Police, Foreign Affairs Ministry, Agriculture/Environment, Security and Narcotics, Public Health, FAAN, NAMA, Tourism, International Airlines and National Aviation Security Committee.

Similarly, the corresponding Airport Facilitation Committees shall be headed by the Airport Manager and the representatives of these agencies, Customs, Immigration, Quarantine, State Security Service, NDLEA (Narcotics), Port Health, FAAN, NAMA, Tourism and International airlines.

The Nigerian National Facilitation Committee (NNFC) shall meet bi-annually except in cases of emergency. Venue of the meeting shall be determined by the chairman of the committee.

In corollary, the Airport Facilitation shall meet every quarterly and the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) shall serve as the secretariat of the NNFC.

Alhaji Adamu expressed happiness that the committee has finally been inaugurated as it had been signed into law since 2007.

All constituted members of the committee were fully represented including Mr. Justus Wariya, the Director of Air Transport Regulation (DATR), Mr. Polly Okoronkwo, Company Secretary, Mrs.Anthonia Vincent, General Manager, Economic Regulation and the staff of the secretariat from NCAA.