US Transportation Security Team Concludes Assessment at Lagos International Airport
A four-member delegation from the United States Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has successfully completed a comprehensive security assessment of Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA) in Lagos, Nigeria.
The review, conducted in collaboration with Nigerian aviation authorities, is part of a routine international compliance process designed to ensure that airport security measures meet global standards for flights to the United States.
The TSA team was invited by the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) for its annual aviation security evaluation, which specifically targets airports handling direct or connecting flights to the United States.
The inspection focused on procedures in place for Delta Airlines, the primary US-bound carrier operating out of MMIA.
During the week-long visit, the TSA assessed various aspects of MMIA’s operations, including:
• Passenger and baggage screening protocols
• Access control to restricted areas
• Effectiveness of screening equipment
• Security awareness among staff
• Implementation of contingency plans
The visiting team included top TSA aviation security specialists: Laura Loya, Edward Cloniger, Mitch Mankowski, and Greg Marshall. Nigerian aviation agencies—including the NCAA and the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN)—provided full cooperation, facilitating access and documentation required for the audit.
In a statement, NCAA officials described the TSA’s evaluation as part of a “mutually beneficial partnership” and emphasized that the visit was not triggered by any security breach or threat, but rather a routine safety compliance measure to uphold international aviation standards.
Sources close to the process indicated that the TSA delegation expressed general satisfaction with MMIA’s current security framework. However, the agency is expected to release a formal report outlining any observations or corrective recommendations within 45 days.
NCAA spokesperson Sam Adurogboye affirmed that Nigerian authorities are prepared to act swiftly on any identified issues.
“We’re committed to maintaining the highest standards of aviation safety and security. Our team has done the work. We expect positive feedback,” he stated.
The airport recently introduced a series of upgrades aimed at improving efficiency and compliance, including:
• Advanced CT-based baggage scanners
• Automated E-gates at immigration checkpoints
• Elimination of manual luggage checks, which had previously drawn criticism from passengers and international observers
These changes were part of FAAN’s modernization efforts to align MMIA with International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) standards and increase its rating among West African aviation hubs.
MMIA has undergone several US-led assessments in recent years, most notably in 2016, 2018, and 2020, all of which resulted in commendations for compliance.
Each visit has served as an opportunity for Nigeria to demonstrate continued progress in securing its airspace and safeguarding international travelers.
Once the TSA releases its final report, the NCAA and FAAN will be responsible for addressing any pending issues. Maintaining US approval is vital to ensuring uninterrupted operations for US-bound flights and reinforcing Nigeria’s position as a major aviation gateway in the region.
The TSA’s security assessment at Lagos’ Murtala Muhammed International Airport marks another chapter in Nigeria’s effort to keep its aviation sector aligned with global standards.
With modernized infrastructure and ongoing collaboration with international partners, MMIA is positioning itself as a competitive and compliant player in the international air travel space.
