The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) on Thursday conducted a mandatory disaster emergency simulation exercise at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the exercise was to help identify areas for improvement and inform future planning, correct identified gaps, and enable response strategies.
It also aimed at testing the airport’s readiness for a major aviation disaster and how to respond to emergencies.
Mr Ahmed Danjuma, Regional General Manager, North Central, described the outcome of the exercise as “fantastic” and praised the agencies for their timely response.
“We’re here to conduct one of the mandatory exercises that is expected of every international airport in Nigeria after every two years.
“It is a simulation or a mock exercise, an emergency mock exercise. So luckily enough, today we’re here to conduct our own in Abuja.
“The airport authorities will use the feedback from the exercise to improve their response to emergencies,” he said.
Danjuma said that the exercise demonstrated FAAN’s commitment to ensuring the safety and security of passengers and staff at Nigerian airports.
He listed the participating agencies as the Nigerian Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), Red Cross, police, National Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Federal Road Safety Commission and the Fire Service.
Others were hospitals in Abuja, including Specialist Hospitals and the Paramedics.
The Manager explained that the participation of the wide array of stakeholders was a proof that managing an airport emergency was a multi-agency effort.
According to him, participating agencies are expected to identify weaknesses and document solutions through a candid, point-by-point appraisal of the drill.
He directed the secretariat to meticulously record all observations for future reference and circulation among stakeholders.
Danjuma extended his appreciation to the external stakeholders, whose commitment he described as critical to the exercise’s success.
