The Federal Airports Authority Nigeria (FAAN) has set a record by becoming the first in Africa to introduce and deploy four state-of-the-art Liquid Explosive Detection systems at key international airports across the country.

Speaking recently with newsmen, Minister for Aviation, Hadi Sirika, said that the detectors which were installed, tested and fully commissioned within 100 days of his being in office, would contribute to the nation’s ease of doing travel business.

He added that the detectors would reduce long queues at airports across the country, especially for travelers on international routes.

The Minister further revealed that this is part of the Federal Government’s efforts in upgrading the airports and introducing new technology-based security facilities in all federal airports nationwide to meet the desired needs of Nigerians.

“As we well know, the airports are currently undergoing upgrades in phases, which we are implementing to meet up with international standards and satisfy the cravings of Nigerians,” Sirika said.

He named the new facilities deployed to include modern x-ray equipment such as passenger cabin baggage scanners, body scanners and walk-through metal detectors and explosive trace detector.

“The essence of deploying these new facilities is to ensure maximum security at our airports checks and control and to curb long waits clearance on liquid gels, medications and much more,” the Minister said.

He thanked President Muhammadu Buhari, “who graciously approved the procurement of the equipment for deployment to four international airports in the country.”

Commenting on the development, Managing Director of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), Captain Hamisu Yagudu, also commended President Buhari “for his kind gesture in supporting the Aviation sector through this laudable project to benefit all Nigerians, including the Diaspora.”

He noted that the new detectors would improve the security measures at airports and effectively combat terrorism, adding that the Federal Government has trained its security personnel on how to manage the hi-tech gadgets at each airport.

Also speaking, the CEO, Advonics Service Nigeria Ltd, Emmanuel Egboh, described the detectors as high technology magnometer, which would identify liquid concealed explosives through milimeter wave technology.

He eulogised the Federal Government for its commitment to the security of lives and properties of immigrants and also commended the MD and management FAAN on their steadfast support and continuous hard work in the aviation infrastructural development.

The various international airports where the equipment is installed are Lagos, Abuja, Port-Harcourt and Kano.