RADIO NIGERIA
The Federal Government is to procure new 20 additional fire tenders for the Aerodrome Rescue and Fire Fighting Services, ARFFS across airports in the country to effectively manage emergencies.
The Managing Director, Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria, FAAN, Captain Rabiu Yadudu who disclosed this during the commemoration of this year’s international Fire Fighters Day in Lagos, said, plans were also on to refurbish all fire stations across airports in the country.
According to him, the fire tenders to be procured would replace some of the existing ones to be phased out, while the facelift of the fire stations to be fully equipped to improve on the standard of operations would be done two or three at a time.
“We have over 90 fire tenders and we are trying to procure 20 that is part of the plan now because some are aged, some are due for refurbishment, the new one will replaced the ones we feel we are going to phase out”.
Captain Yadudu said, an intensive training of fire officers were currently ongoing, adding that the newly acquired fire simulator would enhance their training and save more money for the agency.
“In the event of emergency we need the fire fighters to come and perform before the emergency, we need them to be in top shape, we need them to be competent that training aspect is where the simulator comes in, having it here in Nigeria will saves us hundreds of millions of naira”.
While condoling families of fire officers who died recently, he urged other officers to maintain their sense of responsibility and commitment to national interest.
Director operations FAAN, Captain Muktar Muye says, with the requisite training and facilities the fire officers would perform better.
General Manager, Aerodrome Rescue and Fire fighters Services, FAAN, Mr. John Ekpe commended the Management that despite the economic downturn, their request were being met.
” We enjoy close cooperation with the management, virtually, all areas of our needs are being addressed and addressing”.
Highlights of the celebration was the laying of wreath in remembrance of the 6 fire officers who died in acting service.
The FAAN Fire fighters Day celebration has the theme: Heroes Remembrance ceremony and parade.
The aerodrome rescue and fire fighting services department across airports in the country is in charge of rescue in the event of any fire incident involving an aircraft, within and outside the terminal and around the airports.