TSA COMPLETES INSPECTION OF LAGOS INTERNATIONAL

UNCLAS LAGOS 000787 SIPDIS SENSITIVE SIPDIS STATE PASS FAA TO AHARRIS, TRANSPORTATION TO FAA; STATE PLEASE PASS TO OPIC; DAKAR PLEASE PASS TO FAA REP MOIRA KEANE; ROME PLEASE PASS TO TSA REP JOHN HALINSKI E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: EAIR EINV PREL NI SUBJECT: TSA COMPLETES INSPECTION OF LAGOS INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT ¶1. (SBU) In conjunction with the commencement of direct service between Atlanta and Lagos by Delta Airlines, Transportation Security Administration (TSA) officials completed an inspection of aviation security at Lagos' Murtala Muhammed Airport (MMA). The five day inspection covered all aspects of ground security at the airport, including perimeter and ramp security, airport policies and procedures, and passenger and baggage screening. The inspectors reported they were pleased with the cooperation they received from the Nigerian authorities. ¶2. (SBU) Several open items from last year's inspection were closed; however, the inspectors noted some problems with access control, perimeter security, and passenger control measures. These issues were raised directly with the head of the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA),Dr. H.O. Demuren and his staff at an outbrief. Demuren and his staff were aware of these problems, particular passenger control. Demuren noted that solving the passenger control issue was his most vexing problem and would likely require physical changes to the airport layout. He and the lead inspector discussed possible solutions and passenger control procedures in light of the current airport layout. NCAA and the TSA have a good working relationship and NCAA responded it would follow up with TSA on all open items. ¶3. (SBU) As observed by the TSA inspectors, cargo on passenger flights is screened with x-ray equipment. Demuren stated that he was working with the World Bank to obtain an additional x-ray machine to speed up the screening process. He also remarked that the World Bank may help with a solution to the problem of passenger control. ¶4. (SBU) The inspectors noted no major problems with the security procedures used by North American Airlines (NAA) and Delta Airlines, the two U.S. carriers that service Lagos. NAA has been flying to Lagos for over a year and has a strong security program in place. As expected, Delta's initial flight had some operational glitches, but the TSA inspectors believed them to be minor, easily solvable, and within reason for the first day of operations. ¶5. (SBU) The NCAA chief of security said the NCAA plans to formally request assistance from the USG in conducting a Man Portable Air Defense (MANPADS) threat assessment of MMA airport. No such assessment of the airport has previously been conducted. Post will work with NCAA to complete and forward that request. ¶6. (SBU) Concurrent with the TSA inspectors, two Federal Air Marshals completed an initial survey of MMA and established tentative operational procedures for marshals operating on flights between the United States and Lagos. A diplomatic note seeking GON general concurrence for placement of air marshals on such flights was forwarded to the GON in March of 2006, but the GON has not yet formally replied. Embassy Abuja and ConGen Lagos have been working with the GON on this issue and made repeated inquiries into the status of the reply to the diplomatic note. NCAA officials relayed that they expected approval soon and the two air marshals were able to answer questions on training and procedures to the satisfaction of the NCAA. However, a second diplomatic note seeking agreement on the specific operational procedures may be necessary. ¶7. (U) This cable has been cleared with Embassy Abuja and TSA. BLAIR