President Adama Barrow has justified his government’s decision to engage Securiport, a U.S.-based company, to provide aviation and immigration security at the Banjul International Airport. The President defended the $20 security charges at the airport, saying they were necessary to address security challenges and meet international standards.

President Barrow cited the need for security of the country and travelers crossing borders, saying that the decision to award the contract was a government decision.

He added that discussions were ongoing with relevant stakeholders to embed the fees in air tickets, which would reduce noise surrounding the $20 fees collected at the airport.

The President further explained that Securiport was responsible for collecting data that is entirely kept by the Gambia Immigration Department, adding that the company is doing similar things in Senegal, Sierra Leone, Ivory Coast, and many other countries in the sub-region.

Securiport is used to safeguard a state’s territorial integrity and ensure that only those who are authorised to cross borders can do so safely and seamlessly.