‘Don’t create a nuisance’ Keyamo Slams DSS Over Airport Security Altercations

Festus Keyamo, the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, has expressed strong opposition to the Department of State Services (DSS) conducting bag searches at airports, emphasizing that this responsibility does not fall under their jurisdiction.

Speaking on Arise News’ This Morning program, Keyamo stated that the DSS should focus on profiling individuals for security checks, rather than inspecting passengers’ belongings. “DSS, you are not meant to search people’s bags,” he asserted. “You are profiling individuals who are either traveling out of the country or may be under security scrutiny.”

Keyamo highlighted concerns over the excessive number of agencies involved in screening passengers at airports, which often causes delays and inconveniences. He pointed out that customs officials should focus on imported goods rather than items being exported, suggesting that a streamlined approach to security checks is urgently needed.

“The issue is that multiple agencies, including DSS, NDLEA, Customs, and Quarantine, are all operating at the airport, and they often operate independently of each other. These agencies were established before our administration, and while they are not directly under our control, we are working on improving their coordination,” Keyamo explained.

Keyamo also discussed the recent government measures aimed at reducing harassment by airport security agencies, noting that the objective is not to remove these agencies but to streamline their operations. He acknowledged that security checks are necessary, but emphasized the need for efficiency and fairness in their implementation. He pointed out the complaints of extortion, corruption, and slow procedures that have plagued the current system.

Keyamo used Lagos International Airport as an example, where passengers face significant congestion due to the “joint inspection table” used by multiple agencies. At this table, customs, DSS, NDLEA, and other agencies all perform individual bag checks, leading to delays and bottlenecks at the entrance gates.

“What we have at the joint inspection table is a chaotic process. Each agency asks passengers to open their bags and conducts separate searches, which leads to unnecessary delays. I haven’t seen anything like this anywhere else in the world,” Keyamo said. To resolve this, the ministry has dismantled the joint inspection table and instead has the agencies collaborate with aviation security at the screening machines.

“Now, all bags are processed through the screening machines, and if any suspicious items are detected, the relevant agency can pull the passenger aside for further checks in a private room, avoiding repetitive searches,” Keyamo explained. This change, he believes, will make the process smoother for passengers while maintaining security.

On the role of the DSS, Keyamo made it clear that the agency should not be involved in searching passengers’ bags. He recommended that DSS agents focus on profiling travelers for security checks and collaborate with immigration officers at the point of passport stamping. “DSS can roam around the airport, check faces, and if they need to stop someone, they should do so in a private area,” he suggested.

Keyamo also responded to customs officials’ claims that certain export items require inspection. He argued that the focus should be on ensuring proper declarations for arriving passengers. “Customs should be more concerned with items brought into the country, not what people are taking out. Clear signage can help guide passengers on what needs to be declared,” he said.

In conclusion, Keyamo emphasized the need for ongoing reform in aviation security, including identifying and removing corrupt elements within the security agencies. He stressed that the goal is to create a system that is efficient, transparent, and respects the rights of travelers while ensuring national security.