FAAN Sets Up Emergency Centres At  International Airports

The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) has established emergency operation centres (EOCs) at all the international airports in the country.

FAAN’s managing director, Capt. Rabiu Hamisu Yadudu who revealed this in an interview in Lagos said the move was part of criteria to deal with crisis situations.

He said Kaduna Airport was added to the to the list because of its international status.

“The EOC is a structure we need to make Kaduna a viable alternative to Abuja because where ever you have an airport you must be prepared for an emergency just like we did in Abuja Airport,” he said.

Yadudu said it is important for all airports to have an EOC that could be activated in times of emergencies.

“So far, it’s only international airports that have EOCs, but it is what we should have in every airport. Kaduna airport didn’t have (one) before now, may be because it wasn’t an international airport, but all the airports should have it.

“The essence is to cater for emergencies like air crash, terminals and any form of emergencies that may arise where you have casualties. You need to have a place to coordinate emergencies where you can sit and direct resolutions of the emergencies.

“That’s why it is not usually inside the terminal or air side, but where you can have accessibility to the runway, air side and the terminal; you can see what’s happening, but it’s a bit remote from the terminal building. Whatever that is happening in the terminal, you can easily go there.

“All the airports have aerodrome emergency plan. When you have an emergency, you quickly activate it and call the people that are in charge of such emergencies, like the fire service, airport manager and others. All these things are spelt out with their leaders.

“Once normalcy is restored, you close the centre. All airports are supposed to have it with competent personnel,” he said.