The Minister of Transport and Aviation, Kabineh Kallon on Thursday, 9th December, 2021 led a high-powered delegation comprising the Minister of Internal Affairs, the Deputy Ministers of Transport and Aviation and Social Welfare, the Commissioner General of National Revenue Authority, the Deputy Inspector General of Police, the Deputy Chief Immigration Officer, the second-in-command at the Office of National Security, the Chief of Staff at NaCOVERC etc to the Freetown International Airport at Lungi, to get a first-hand report about operations at the Airport especially during this peak period.
The Minister of Transport and Aviation revealed that the President had expressed serious concern over reports of malfeasance at the airport and has called for immediate action to be taken to address concerns raised by passengers using the countryโs only international airport.
A litany of reports about unauthorized access to the terminal building, airside vicinity and security restricted areas, petty thefts, harassment and extortion of passengers, lack of adequate carts (trolleys) for use by passengers, the delay caused by NaCOVERCโs screening and laboratory process due to lack of adequate staff, the lack of Westminster Aviation Security to provide adequate security cover, etc was brought to the attention of the Minister through various sources.
Hon. Kabineh Kallon called on the Airport Management headed by Mr. Jack Massaquoi (General Manager) to ensure that the standard operating procedures are implemented with immediate effect.
The Minister of Transport and Aviation urged the Airport Management to immediately review access control, introduce a regular rotation of all staff members of agencies working at the Airport, scanners to be installed at the baggage area, increase manpower for NaCOVERC operations, review access to the VIP lounge and endeavour to automate their operations.
The Minister of Internal Affairs, David-Panda-Noah warned security agencies against conniving with workers to facilitate crime. He called on Immigration personnel to be professional and stop extorting money from or harassing passengers.
The Commissioner General of NRA, Dr. Samuel Jibao disclosed that very soon, scanners will be installed in all baggage areas of the airport especially in the Customs area.
The Deputy Head of ONS, Abdulai Caulker called for a review of the 15-year aviation security agreement signed between the Ministry of Transport and Aviation and the Westminster Aviation Security Service (WASS).
The Minister of Transport and Aviation, Hon. Kabineh Kallon later visited the new airport terminal extension site and applauded the contractors, Sumana Group, for a job well done. He encouraged them to speed up the construction work as the Government is looking forward to the completion of the job in record time.
