The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) on Thursday conducted a mandatory disaster emergency simulation exercise at Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja.
The exercise aimed to identify areas for improvement, inform future planning, correct identified gaps, and enhance response strategies.
It also tested the airport’s readiness for a major aviation disaster and the effectiveness of emergency response measures.
Mr Ahmed Danjuma, Regional General Manager, North Central, described the outcome of the exercise as “fantastic” and praised the participating agencies for their timely response.
“We’re here to conduct one of the mandatory exercises required of every international airport in Nigeria every two years. It is a simulation or mock emergency exercise, and today we are conducting ours in Abuja,” he said.
“The airport authorities will use feedback from the exercise to improve their response to emergencies,” he added.
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Danjuma emphasised that the exercise demonstrated FAAN’s commitment to ensuring the safety and security of passengers and staff at Nigerian airports.
Participating agencies included the Nigerian Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), Red Cross, police, National Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Federal Road Safety Commission, and the Fire Service.
Hospitals in Abuja, including Specialist Hospitals and paramedics, were also involved.
The Manager explained that the involvement of a wide array of stakeholders underscored that managing an airport emergency is a multi-agency effort.
Participating agencies were expected to identify weaknesses and document solutions through a point-by-point appraisal of the drill.
Danjuma directed the secretariat to meticulously record all observations for future reference and circulation among stakeholders.
He concluded by extending his appreciation to the external stakeholders, describing their commitment as critical to the exercise’s success.
