As FAAN Improves Airport Safety with Modern Facilities, Training

 Chinedu Eze

In order to maintain continuous safety at nation’s airports, the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) has introduced core facilities across airports, including the training of agency’s personnel and officers in other agencies whose roles are relevant in ensuring the safety of flight operations.

In aviation, airport security serves as the first line of defence against potential threats and malicious activities that could compromise air travel safety. By implementing stringent safety and security measures, airports aim to identify, deter, and mitigate risks before they can pose danger to passengers and crew members.

Nigeria has maintained good record of air safety and it is incumbent on aviation agencies such as FAAN to continue to reinforce and improve safety and security at the airports by ensuring that airport infrastructure like the runway, airport markings, lighting and other important facilities are provided.

Also, continuous human development is deemed very important in the improvement of safety at airports and recently, FAAN disclosed that it has trained about 3, 219 personnel and empowered them with modern skills to improve their efficiency on safety management. 

The Managing Director of FAAN, Mrs. Olubunmi Kuku, who made this known, stated that under her leadership in the last 11 months, she has trained the aforementioned number constituting of FAAN staff and that of other aviation agencies that play critical roles in maintaining air safety and the period expended on the training accumulated to 1, 765 hours. 

THISDAY gathered from FAAN’s Safety Services Training Unit that safety courses undertaken by these personnel include Airside Operations and Safety Compliance Training, the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) Global Reporting Format (GRF), Aerodrome General Safety Awareness Validation Course, ICAO Aerodrome General Safety Awareness (AGSA) Course, Emergency  Protocols, Crisis Management, and Safety Procedures, Abridged Airside Operations and Safety Compliance Training for Instructors, Universal Safety Oversight Audit Programme (USOAP), among others.

The various trainings were conducted under the ICAO Standard and Recommended Practices (SARPS), as FAAN prepares the major airports for certification by the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA). 

In addition to the training, FAAN disclosed that the new management has adopted a comprehensive approach involving various strategies and practices to improve safety across the airports under the agency’s control.

The agency said it would continue to conduct regular safety drills and simulations for various emergency scenarios (e.g., aircraft accidents, response time, evacuation, severe weather, bomb threats, natural disasters, structural fire, etc.,) across airports to ensure preparedness.

It has also engaged in modern security technology; including upgrade of screening equipment, surveillance systems, and access control measures to enhance security and safety protocols. Also, FAAN said the management would continue to provide operational and communication tools and equipment- camera, breathalyzer, binoculars, safety boots, wet floor, safety cones, and and others for all safety critical departments, as well as the provision of a safety library across the airports to enhance safety research, data collation, compilation, and management.

The FAAN boss said there had been improved runway and taxiway design by installing upgraded airside infrastructure, disclosing that the Runway 18R and 36L was recently modernized and reopened at MMIA to minimise risks, such as collisions and incursions, by following best practices in airport designs and markings, including general maintenance of terminal facilities and air operations area.

The upgrading and modernisation of facilities at the runway, commonly known as the international runway, ended delays and inconveniences suffered by international carriers, which had to co-use the domestic runway, Runway 18L, that became too busy during peak hours when it was the only functional runway at Nigeria’s busiest airport.

Emphasising the importance of safety and why FAAN is determined to ensure that the agency’s personnel has updated skills and the airports installed with modern safety facilities, Kuku, said: “Safety is the cornerstone of every airport operation and it is the highest priority in creating an environment that passengers and public can trust. It is the backbone of all airport activities. In the complex ecosystem of our airport, from the moment travelers arrive, to the instant they reach their destinations, every aspect of their journey is designed with safety as the highest priority. This is why FAAN management, within a week of inception, reviewed and signed the FAAN Corporate Safety Policy that shows management’s commitment to accountability and responsibility to safety.” 

She explained that the airport remained a hub for activities that facilitate global connections, and maintaining safety is not just a regulatory requirement, but also a commitment to protecting human lives, securing infrastructure, and fostering confidence among travelers and employees alike and stressed that this commitment is embedded in all FAAN’s procedures, technology, and training programs to ensure that, “we are safeguarding not only passengers, but also, our staff and stakeholders.”

“Maintaining a safe airport environment is a dynamic process that requires constant vigilance and a culture that encourages everyone, from frontline employees to senior leaders, to take ownership of safety standards. This includes engaging in rigorous inspections, provision of state-of-the-art safety aid, security systems, regular drills that prepare our teams for any scenario. We also work closely with regulatory bodies like NCAA, ICAO, ACI (Airport Council International) and other sister agencies in Nigeria to continuously review and enhance our protocol based on the latest industry advancement and best practices,” Kuku said. 

She also noted that safety for the agency is more than just compliance with standards, “it is a commitment we make to every person who steps into our airport. We understand that travelers trust us with their well-being, and this is the reason why every investment we make, every policy we put in place, is about ensuring safe and reliable travel for all.”

Kuku also disclosed that FAAN adopted Safety Management System (SMS), which emphasises a proactive approach to safety management through continuous monitoring, evaluation and improvement, noting that the process allows the agency to learn from past incidents, refine its procedures, and implement best practices, leading to an overall enhancement of safety culture.

“An effective SMS encourages the reporting of safety concerns and incidents without fear of retribution. This open communication allows for better data collection and analysis, which is vital for identifying trends, understanding root causes, and taking corrective action to prevent future occurrences.

Kuku also stated that SMS fosters collaboration among various stakeholders in the airport environment—including airport management, airlines, ground handlers, security personnel, and the regulatory body, which is the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), adding that this collective effort enhances the overall safety posture of FAAN operated airports.

“A well-implemented SMS includes training programs that educate employees about safety protocols and practices. This training builds awareness and competence, ensuring that all personnel are equipped to contribute to a safer airport environment. Safety and efficiency are inherently linked in airport operations. An effective SMS can streamline processes and improve communication among teams, leading to reduced delays and enhanced operational performance,” Kuku further said.