THE Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria, FAAN, has carried out a test-run on an upgraded baggage scanner machine that can detect explosives, narcotics and other prohibited items at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos. The measure is to boost safety and security around the country’s airports.

Saleh Dunoma, managing director and chief executive officer of the FAAN, said the interest of the management was to make sure the airports were safe and secure, protect lives and provide machines of immense benefits to airlines and all our stakeholders.

“This scanner is intended to complement the Executive Order recently issued, by the Acting President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo. And also assist the operations of other agencies at the airport, making them more efficient.

“Our intent is to deploy these scanners to our international airports but this depends on the outcome of its performance in Lagos,” Dunoma said.

Akin Mustapha, supplier of the machine, in his own statement said: “This is an Astrophysics Baggage Scanner which is manufactured in California, USA. It will identify hidden threats in carry-on items and checked-in baggages at airports. It has high penetration steel and it can detect explosives and narcotics. It has six colour generation and that enables it to do a proper analysis of objects that go into it, better than others. It is highly reliable and very sensitive. In other airports around the world, they are taking away other machines and replacing them with this machine (Astrophysics) for upgrade and efficiency.

“With Superior image quality and innovative features including Six Color Imaging for increased object identification and Screener Assist for automatic programmable detection, Astrophysics provides operators with the advanced tools required for quick and reliable airport screening.”

The FAAN said it was committed to put all necessary measures in place in line with international aviation standards and recommended best practices to enhance safety and security at the airports.

—  Jun 14, 2017 @ 13:30 GMT