A close call occurred on Saturday, May 10, 2025, when a taxiing Air Peace flight from Lagos struck an antelope on the tarmac at Asaba Airport in Delta State. The collision damaged the aircraft and led to significant flight delays. This incident highlights the recurring issue of animals posing a danger to air travel in Nigeria, a problem exacerbated by poor security measures at many airports nationwide.
The absence of perimeter fences around most Nigerian airports leaves them vulnerable to such breaches. Asaba Airport, for instance, is managed by the Delta State Government rather than the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), which may contribute to its security lapses. Even airports under FAAN are not immune to these security failures, as breaches occur frequently. A notable example is the 2005 incident at Port Harcourt International Airport, where a French airline’s flight struck a herd of cattle, severely damaging the aircraft but fortunately causing no fatalities.
This issue is widespread across Nigerian airports, including Owerri, Ondo, Lagos, and Yola, where cattle and occasional human intrusions are common. A more alarming case occurred at Kaduna Airport, where armed herders attacked the tarmac in March 2020, claiming that security forces had removed their cattle, which were grazing on the airport grounds. These incidents underscore the challenges posed by herdsmen, who continue to use airports as grazing routes despite evolving these spaces into aviation hubs.
These breaches demonstrate the weak enforcement of security measures by FAAN and other responsible agencies. The failure to properly secure airport perimeters enables animals and unauthorised individuals to access critical areas, posing significant risks to aviation safety. A properly fenced airport would prevent such threats and ensure only authorized personnel and vehicles are permitted on the tarmac.
The government recognised the importance of securing airport perimeters in March 2016, when it announced a plan to allocate N25 billion to fence 22 airports. However, little progress has been made since then. Despite the Federal Government’s announcement in October 2021 about embarking on the fencing program, questions remain about its status and effectiveness.
The rapid expansion of airports by state governors has further complicated the issue. While new facilities are being established across the country, many remain underutilized, making perimeter fencing less of a priority. As a result, air travel safety in Nigeria continues to be jeopardized.
Addressing these security concerns before a tragedy occurs is essential. The risks posed by inadequate airport security cannot be underestimated, especially as Nigerian airports handle passengers worldwide. Operations at any airport lacking proper protection should be suspended until appropriate measures are implemented. Investing in advanced technology to monitor and protect these critical areas is also crucial for improving the safety and efficiency of air travel in Nigeria.
