The Aviation Minister, Festus Keyamo, has stirred a wave of reactions with his recent statement addressing the activities of the Department of State Services (DSS) at airports. Taking to the official X (formerly Twitter) handle of Nigerian Stories, Keyamo firmly asserted that “the DSS has no business searching bags at airports.”
This declaration, coming from a key government figure, has sparked significant public interest and debate, especially concerning the delineation of duties among Nigeria’s security agencies at the nation’s airports.
Keyamo’s remark seemingly questions the jurisdiction of the DSS, emphasizing the importance of adhering to clearly defined roles to avoid overlap or encroachment on responsibilities. Aviation security protocols, as established globally, typically place the screening and inspection of passengers’ luggage under the purview of airport security agencies, not intelligence outfits.
While Keyamo did not elaborate on the specific incidents that prompted his statement, his comment has fueled discussions about the broader issue of maintaining professionalism, efficiency, and respect for institutional boundaries in airport security operations. Critics argue that overlapping roles can lead to inefficiency and public discomfort, while proponents of DSS involvement suggest it enhances intelligence-driven security measures in light of Nigeria’s security challenges.
This development has also reignited calls for the government to streamline operational guidelines and ensure accountability among agencies operating in sensitive sectors such as aviation. Transparency, coordination, and respect for jurisdictional limits are seen as essential to restoring public confidence in Nigeria’s airport security.
As Nigerians weigh in on the Aviation Minister’s stance, the spotlight remains firmly fixed on the government’s next steps to address these concerns. Will this statement lead to clearer demarcation of duties among security agencies, or will the status quo persist?
Festus Keyamo’s comment underscores the critical need for a holistic review of Nigeria’s airport security framework, not just to boost efficiency but also to reflect global best practices. Whether this bold assertion will spur meaningful changes remains to be seen.
PIONEER NEWS 