NCAA Ensures Airport Safety Amid Nationwide Train Service Suspension

NCAA Ensures Airport Safety Amid Nationwide Train Service Suspension

The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has reassured travelers of their safety at airports and the smooth operation of flights, despite ongoing nationwide protests……… CONTINUE READING 

Train services were suspended on Thursday as a precautionary measure to prevent damage at stations, especially along the Abuja-Kaduna route.

Michael Achimugu, the Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection at NCAA, confirmed that airport security is robust. “I’m currently at the airport conducting inspections. We’ve just completed a check of the domestic terminal and are heading to the international terminal. Everything is operating smoothly,” Achimugu said.

He emphasized that security measures by the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria and NCAA were put in place ahead of time to ensure passenger safety. “Security is tight. We’ve made adequate preparations, so passengers can feel secure while traveling,” Achimugu added.

However, he noted that two domestic airlines, Overland and Valuejet, have announced cancellations for the day. The reasons for these cancellations are not fully clear but might be related to the ongoing protests.

In contrast, train services have faced significant interruptions. Abdul Azeez, Operations Manager at Idu Train Station, confirmed that services were halted due to security concerns. “We are not operating today. The security situation is unpredictable, which is why services have been suspended,” Azeez explained.

The suspension affects not only the Nigerian Railway Corporation but also metro services, reflecting the broader impact of the unrest.

At Murtala Muhammed Airport in Lagos, passengers arrived early to avoid potential violence related to the protests. The airport appeared relatively empty with minimal vehicle movement, but terminals were busy with passengers waiting for their flights.

While most airlines continued to operate their flights, some, like Air Peace and Valuejet, faced cancellations and delays due to weather and the impact of the protests. Air Peace, for instance, canceled its Kano and Ibadan flights and delayed its Benin flight due to weather conditions.

Passengers who arrived early reported waiting for several hours. Obiora Kenneth, a traveler from Benin, said, “We left Edo State around 4:00 am to avoid potential protest-related disruptions. Although our flight is scheduled for later in the evening, we wanted to ensure we arrived safely.”

Overall, while airport operations remain under control, the suspension of train services and the impact of protests have led to notable disruptions across transportation networks.

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