General News
IATA: Principles to Manage Aviation’s Security Challenges
The International Air Transport Association (IATA) called on industry and governments to work together in an even stronger partnership to provide durable solutions to aviation’s security challenges.
These efforts, which must be based on common principles, include such areas as overflying conflict zones, landside security at airports, insider threats, cyber security, harmonization of PNR (passenger name record) and API (advance passenger information) requirements and airport checkpoints.
“Aviation is the ‘business of freedom’—a catalyst for social and economic development that improves people’s lives. Paradoxically, the good that aviation brings also makes it a target for terror. No single entity has all the answers. That’s why partnerships are essential to address our major security challenges with the speed needed to stay a step ahead of those who would do our industry harm. These efforts must keep four common principles in focus: risk-based measures, the implementation of global standards, capacity building to support the mutual recognition of standards, and information sharing among governments and with industry,” said Alexandre de Juniac, IATA’s Director General and CEO.
De Juniac’s comments were made in an opening speech to the 25th AVSEC World conference in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. AVSEC World is being hosted by Malaysia Airlines and jointly presented by IATA in partnership with the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) and Airports Council International (ACI).
Principles and Speed
Four principles to guide the cooperative security efforts of government and industry were elaborated:
Risk-based measures to ensure that limited resources are applied where the threats are greatest.
Information sharing among governments and with industry to enable effective risk-assessments.
The implementation of global standards in security systems worldwide to support effective collaboration between all parties in all locations.
Capacity building supporting the mutual recognition of standards to improve effectiveness and efficiency.
De Juniac also emphasized the necessity of speed in keeping the industry secure. “Speed is of the essence. Threats emerge quickly. And they evolve fast. The four principles will help us to address the threats and challenges we face, but only if we move quickly enough,” said de Juniac.
Applying the Principles to Our Main Challenges
IATA identified six priority areas for addressing security challenges:
Conflict zones: Timely and accurate information is needed to support risk-assessments when overflying conflict zones. “The ICAO conflict zone information repository was an initial step. But it is not the solution. We need to evolve to a system that can function on a continuing basis with a free and fast flow of useful information. Information sharing is not just about conflict zones. If a government has any information about a risk to an airline’s operation, sharing it with the airline could save lives. There is a responsibility to get that information to the airline quickly and by effective means,” said de Juniac.
Landside security in airports : Recent attacks in Brussels and Istanbul have brought this vulnerability to the fore. Local authorities must use intelligence to keep terrorists far away from airports and keep public areas free from threats. In parallel the industry is working on solutions to reduce risk by processing passengers more quickly.
Insider threats: “With eight million people employed in air transport, the threat from insiders is a real challenge. The perfect vetting system has yet to be invented. So intelligence analysis—from governments—is our most potent tool to identify threats especially from radicalization,” said de Juniac.
Cyber security : Nimble layers of protection—security culture—and advanced detection capabilities are needed. All of these must be powered by intelligence and information sharing. Cooperation with governments and across the industry is essential.
Harmonization of API and PNR information requirements : Airlines contribute to intelligence gathering through the collection and provision of API and PNR information. Global standards exist for the collection and provision of this information. These are maintained by IATA and the World Customs Organization, and ICAO.
“Despite the global standards for API and PNR, there are still far too many exceptions on what data is collected and how it is transmitted to governments. The complexity does not make us more secure. In fact, it could lead to risk. The situation is already difficult enough. And it could get much worse. There is already an impasse on PNR and European data privacy requirements which puts airlines in a difficult situation. Moreover, there is no overall international agreement spelling out obligations for handling the exchange of such information,” said de Juniac.
Security checkpoints at airports: Airport checkpoints must be both effective and convenient—the goal of the joint IATA-ACI Smart Security initiative. “Processes have improved, but can still be inconvenient and even intrusive. Smart Security is helping with a growing footprint at airports. But we need to see much faster progress,” said de Juniac.
Real threats
“Security is fundamentally a government responsibility. But making flying ever safer and more secure is engrained in the DNA of all air transport stakeholders. Governments and industry are working together to strengthen our defenses with integrated solutions in the face of evolving security threats,” said de Juniac.
In September a UN Security Council Resolution noted that, “terrorist groups are actively seeking ways to defeat or circumvent aviation security.” The resolution affirmed that “all states have a responsibility to protect the security of citizens and nationals of all nations against terrorist attacks on air services operating within their territory”.
Africa heads into the Age of Intelligence with a distinct advantage: its people. By 2030, Sub-Saharan Africa will account for half of all new workers worldwide.
According to a new report, this is more than just a demographic fact; it is a historic opportunity. The report also states that talent remains the critical foundation of the AI stack—talent, data, compute, and use cases.
Zindi’s Kenya country report, compiled in collaboration with Dalberg Data Insights and the International Centre for AI Research Ethics, explored employability and career outcomes.
Zindi is professional community of African data scientists, working to solve the world’s most pressing challenges using machine learning and AI.
The report’s forward was written by Philip Thigo, special envoy on technology of Kenya, and states that without skilled employees, data is unrefined, compute is idle, and use cases are irrelevant. And he makes it clear: Africa’s talent is already contributing to the global AI economy, rather than waiting to be included.
Thigo goes on to say the evidence is compelling, stating: “Nearly 1 in 5 Kenyan Zindi users experienced a career change after joining the platform.
“More than 80% of those with completed profiles advanced in their careers, compared to just 3% without.
“Completing four or more challenges makes a user four times more likely to secure employment, while engaging in teams and discussions makes them three times more likely to get jobs.”
“These findings highlight an important truth: employability today is built not just in classrooms, but also in communities of practice, peer learning, and collective intelligence.”
According to Thigo, in this dynamic talent climate, companies must look beyond degrees and leader boards to find a vast pool of market-ready AI talent defined by resilience, collaboration, and creativity.
Similarly, politicians and educators are informed that the message is obvious.
Thigo writes: “If Africa is to secure its place in the digital economy, we must reimagine how we connect our youth to opportunity. Platforms like Zindi show that talent is abundant; what is needed are pathways that translate skills into livelihoods, and ecosystems that link learning to work.”
For Kenya, he notes that this resonates deeply with the country’s broader ambition: to build a sovereign AI ecosystem powered by African talent, clean data, and green compute—ensuring that Africa is not just a consumer of technology, but a creator of it.
As the world becomes increasingly digital, our daily lives are now more connected than ever, through our phones, computers, and the internet we use every day. But with this growing connection comes a growing risk: hackers, scams, and cyber threats waiting for just one careless click.
The National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) is using this Cybersecurity Awareness Month to remind Nigerians that cyber safety begins with individual responsibility.
Everyone has the power to protect themselves and their communities by adopting simple but effective cyber hygiene practices, including:
- Using strong and unique passwords for all online accounts.
- Enabling two-factor authentication to add extra security layers.
- Keeping devices and applications updated regularly.
- Backing up important data frequently.
- Avoiding suspicious links or attachments from unknown sources.
- And thinking carefully before sharing personal or financial information online.
The theme for this year, “Cyber Hygiene for a Safer Tomorrow,” emphasizes that cyber hygiene is not only a personal responsibility but a collective effort. When individuals protect themselves, they also safeguard their families, workplaces, and the broader digital community.
As we continue to build a secure and digitally resilient Nigeria, NITDA calls on all citizens to stay alert, click wisely, and stay safe online.
The Presidential Fiscal Policy and Tax Reforms Committee has unveiled the Excellence in Tax Reform Reporting Award, a landmark initiative to recognise and reward journalists and online influencers who provide balanced, accurate, and impactful reporting on Nigeria’s ongoing tax reforms.
The Award seeks to strengthen constructive public discourse, counter misinformation, and elevate journalism that explains reforms in ways citizens can trust and understand.
Announcing the initiative, the Chairman of the Presidential Fiscal Policy and Tax Reforms Committee, Taiwo Oyedele, stated: “The media is central to shaping narratives and building public trust. By equipping and rewarding journalists and influencers, we aim to ensure that the tax reform conversation is constructive, inclusive, and anchored in truth. This is how we build public confidence in reforms designed to secure our nation’s future.”
About the Award
- Eligibility: Open to all Nigerian journalists across print, broadcast, and online platforms, as well as digital influencers, bloggers, and podcasters.
- Entry Requirements: Published work between 1 July – 31 December 2025, in English, Pidgin, Hausa, Igbo, or Yoruba, that explains, analyses, or reports on the tax reform. Entries in local languages are to be submitted along with the English translations. Videos or podcasts should not exceed 10 minutes.
- Awards Structure: 1st Prize: ₦10m, 2nd Prize: ₦5m, 3rd Prize: ₦3m. The Top 20 finalists will receive ₦1m consolation prize each with plaques. Gadgets and training fellowships may also be provided.
Evaluation Criteria
Submissions will be judged on:
- Accuracy & Technical Correctness
- Balance & Fairness
- Clarity & Accessibility
- Public Engagement & Reach
- Creativity & Innovation
Awards Gala
Winners will be announced at a high-profile ceremony either in Lagos or Abuja, which may be broadcast live on major TV stations with livestreams on YouTube and X Spaces.
How to Apply
Applications will open via the official portal by the end of the year: fiscalreforms.ng
Follow updates on social media with #ExcellenceInTaxReporting.
Globacom Champions Broadband Investment, Infrastructure Security @ NCC Roundtable
Africa Enters Age of Intelligence with an Advantage
Stakeholders Say AgriTech, Open Data, Critical to Nigeria’s Digital Economy
Sophos Launches Cyber Advisory Services to Help Firms Stay Ahead of Threats
FG-backed mortgage reforms help over 700 Nigerians become homeowners in 6 months
Telecom2 days agoAkwa Ibom, T2 Set to Drive Digital Transformation
News3 days agoUNN Disowns Nnaji, Minister of Science’s Degree Certificate – Report
E-Financial3 days agoNIBSS Targets Zero Transfer Fees on Instant Payments by 2026
General News3 days agoNigeria Launches Excellence in Tax Reform Reporting Award for Journalists, Influencers
News3 days agoNITDA, NCS Champion Collaboration for Digital Nigeria
E-Business2 days agoKaspersky, Partners Launch a Career Orientation Test to Inspire more Girls into Cybersecurity
Telecom3 days agoCourt Strikes out Funtua’s Suit against 9mobile over Shares Ownership
E-Financial3 days agoSEC Fines Stanbic IBTC Capital N50m over GTCO Share Offer