The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening collaboration with the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency as part of efforts to improve emergency preparedness, disaster management and coordinated response operations within Nigeria’s aviation sector.
This assurance was given by the Managing Director of FAAN, Olubunmi Kuku, during a courtesy visit by the Permanent Secretary and Chief Executive Officer of LASEMA, Olufemi Damilola Oke-Osanyintolu, to the Authority’s headquarters in Lagos.
Mrs. Kuku praised LASEMA for its consistent cooperation and intervention during emergency situations at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport and other airport facilities within Lagos State, noting that the partnership between both organisations had significantly strengthened incident management and emergency coordination over the years.
According to her, effective collaboration between aviation authorities and emergency management agencies remains essential in maintaining safety standards and ensuring swift responses during crises and disaster situations.
She described the relationship between FAAN and LASEMA as highly strategic, particularly in the execution of emergency simulation exercises, disaster response drills and other safety management operations designed to enhance operational readiness within airport environments.
The FAAN Managing Director also expressed support for LASEMA’s proposal seeking the Authority’s involvement in the establishment of the Lagos Institute of Disaster Management, an initiative being promoted by the Lagos State Government in partnership with Lagos State University, the International Organization for Migration and other relevant institutions.
Mrs. Kuku, however, stressed the need for all training and capacity-building programmes involving airport personnel to conform strictly with the operational standards and regulatory requirements of the International Civil Aviation Organization and the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority.
She explained that FAAN operates within a highly regulated aviation environment governed by stringent international and domestic safety procedures, adding that any participation in external programmes would require appropriate approvals and compliance with aviation regulations.
The FAAN boss further noted that the Authority already maintains a comprehensive emergency management structure with trained Incident Commanders overseeing coordinated emergency operations across airport facilities nationwide.
As part of efforts to sustain communication and collaboration on the proposed initiative, she announced the designation of the South-West Regional Manager of FAAN, Arewa Olatokunbo, as the focal point for continued engagement with LASEMA.
Mrs. Kuku reiterated FAAN’s resolve to continue working closely with LASEMA in promoting aviation safety, strengthening emergency response mechanisms and adopting global best practices in disaster preparedness and management.
Earlier, Dr. Oke-Osanyintolu explained that the visit was intended to further reinforce cooperation between FAAN, LASEMA and the Lagos State Government in the critical areas of emergency response and disaster risk management.
He stated that LASEMA considered FAAN a major stakeholder in emergency management because of its central role in aviation safety and crisis response operations, adding that the agency was seeking the Authority’s support and active participation in the proposed disaster management institute.
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