The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has directed compulsory implementation of the Basic STP 123 course as a baseline training for all security personnel before deployment for aviation security duties.
It also directed compulsory certification of all aviation security screeners.
The directive becomes effective from 1 October, 2025.
This was contained in an all Operators’ Letter (DGCA/AVSEC/AOL/25/003) CIRCULAR REF: NCAA/DAVSEC/HQ/OD/6/1/33, dated March 25, 2025.
The circular by the Director General, Capt. Chris Najomo said the provisions of Standard 3.4.1 of ICAO Annex 17 have been included in the National Civil Aviation Security Training Programme (NCASTP), hence stakeholders under the NCASP are required to implement the course.
The objective, according to the Authority, is to ensure that aviation security personnel involved in implementing various aspect of the National Civil Aviation Security Programme (NCASP) are adequately equipped with necessary knowledge, skills and competencies so as to be able to effectively implement aviation security preventive measures in accordance with appropriate National and Airport Security Programmes as prescribed in the civil aviation security standards and recommended practices.
The Authority noted that additionally, Section 3 of the National Civil Aviation Security Certification Programme (NCASCP), stipulates that all aviation security persons assigned responsibilities for the screening of person, baggage vehicle and other items are required to undergo certification processes.
“This directive shall apply to all Aerodrome Operators Aircraft Operators. Air Traffic Service Provider. Cargo and Mail Providers, Ground Handling Providers. Catering Providers. Aviation Security Service Providers and other Aviation Allied Service Providers, to be in full compliance.
“All Aerodrome Operators, Aircraft Operators, Air Traffic Service Provider. Cargo and Mail Providers. Ground Handling Providers Catering Providers. AVSEC Service Providers and other Aviation Allied Service Providers. are hereby required to comply as follows: ‘NCAN Provide AVSEC STP 123 (Basic) to all security personnel performing aviation security duties at the airport as baseline, provide AVSEC STP 123 (Basic) to all new employees recruited to perform AVSEC duties as baseline/ initial training before they are deployed to work independently.
It directed the stakeholders involved to make available training records and certificates to NCAA during Inspection or audit as evidence for personnel who have undergone AVSEC STP 123 (Basic), among others.
