NCAA Mandates Basic AVSEC STP 123 Training, Certification for All Aviation Security Personnel in Nigeria by October 1

In a decisive move to strengthen Nigeria’s aviation security architecture and align with global best practices, the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has issued a powerful directive mandating the implementation of the Basic AVSEC STP 123 Course as the minimum training requirement for all aviation security personnel across the country. The directive, referenced DGCA/AVSEC/AOL/25/003, was issued via a circular dated 25 March 2025 by Capt. Chris Najomo, Director General of Civil Aviation.

This directive draws from the provisions of Standard 3.4.1 of ICAO Annex 17, which have now been fully integrated into Nigeria’s National Civil Aviation Security Training Programme (NCASTP). The aim is to ensure that every individual involved in implementing the National Civil Aviation Security Programme (NCASP) receives standardized, competency-based training before assuming duty.

The NCAA emphasized that the effective date for compliance is 1 October 2025, allowing stakeholders a clear runway to meet all outlined obligations. By that date, all aviation security screeners—those responsible for the screening of passengers, baggage, vehicles, and other items—must also be certified under Section 3 of the National Civil Aviation Security Certification Programme (NCASCP).

Reflecting on this landmark directive, industry observers note that the NCAA is setting a firm tone for operational discipline and professionalism in an era where aviation threats have become increasingly sophisticated.

“The AVSEC STP 123 course is not just a training—it’s a foundation for national aviation resilience,” said a senior security officer at one of Nigeria’s busiest international airports. “Having all security personnel uniformly trained and certified ensures that everyone is working from the same playbook.”

Scope and Applicability
The directive applies to a wide swath of aviation stakeholders, including:

• Aerodrome Operators
• Aircraft Operators
• Air Traffic Service Providers
• Cargo and Mail Providers
• Ground Handling Providers
• Catering Providers
• Aviation Security Service Providers
• Allied Aviation Service Providers

Required Actions

Operators and stakeholders are required to:

1. Provide AVSEC STP 123 (Basic) training to all current and newly recruited AVSEC personnel before deployment.
2. Maintain and present training records and certificates to NCAA upon audit or inspection.
3. Certify all screeners, regardless of method—manual or X-ray.
4. Make all AVSEC screener certification records available to NCAA during security inspections or audits.

With the NCAA’s growing focus on safety and compliance, Capt. Najomo’s leadership is being hailed as transformative. By institutionalizing a standardized training and certification process, the agency is not only safeguarding Nigeria’s aviation sector but also boosting international confidence in the country’s aviation security regime.

As the deadline looms, industry players are urged to accelerate preparations. “October 1 isn’t just a date on the calendar,” said one AVSEC trainer. “It marks a new era of accountability, skill, and uniformity in aviation security.”

Contact Information
Stakeholders with questions are encouraged to reach out via the NCAA’s Flight Standard Group and regional offices nationwide. Additional resources are available at www.ncaa.gov.ng or by email at info@ncaa.gov.ng.

This directive is a reminder that in aviation, security starts with training—and Nigeria is taking no chances.

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