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…Warns against substandard firefighting kits
By Chinelo Obogo
The Nigerian Aviation Fire and Safety Association (NAFSA) has urged the management of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) to urgently rehabilitate the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), Lagos.
During a recent visit to the Managing Director of FAAN, Mrs. Olubunmi Kuku, in Lagos, the national president of NAFSA, Ugbeikwu Sunday, said that with the current state of the airport, if there is major fire outbreak it, will be an uphill task for the firefighters to put out the fire as the damage will be monumental. He said the airport, which was built over 40 years ago, has become prone to fire outbreaks and recommends a total remodelling of the MMIA Lagos so that a modern terminal can be built.
Mrs. Kuku in her remarks corroborated NAFSA’s observation, saying that on an inspection of the facility, she noticed a problem and immediately directed the electrical department to handle it. She added the airport needs total rehabilitation, revealing that plans are already underway to have it remodelled. She then gave the NASFA leadership a week to send in their official position and recommendations on the MMIA situation, which will be included in the ongoing plans.
Ugbeikwu called the attention of the MD to the substandard firefighting kits supplied to the firefighters over the years, saying that the health of the firefighters should not be compromised. He said they are already exposed to occupational hazards and cannot afford to compound the health challenges by using fake and substandard firefighting kits.
Mrs. Kuku again confirmed the concern expressed by NAFSA, saying that during her visit to Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport (MAKIA) Kano last month, as she saw the substandard firefighting kits supplied to the firefighters and promised that moving forward, there would be improvement.
