BY OLAPEJU OLUBI
The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) has stepped up its safety and environmental management measures across airports in the country, with renewed training on the handling of dangerous goods and a campaign to curb encroachment and wildlife hazards around airport environments.
FAAN Managing Director, Mrs. Olubunmi Kuku, disclosed this while speaking on the agency’s recent efforts to enhance aviation safety and security.
Kuku said the authority recently conducted refresher courses for staff and airline personnel following two separate incidents involving passengers carrying potentially hazardous materials at the Abuja and Kano airports.
‘’In Abuja, a passenger allegedly became confrontational after being questioned about an item of acidic nature. In Kano, an improperly packaged substance caused a safety concern on board an aircraft. Some passengers do not understand what constitutes prohibited or dangerous items. We immediately ensured that both our staff and airline operators underwent refresher training on dangerous goods and prohibited materials, in line with NCAA procedures,” Kuku explained.
She described the incidents as “wake-up calls” that reinforced FAAN’s commitment to safety compliance and the continuous education of aviation workers and passengers alike.
The FAAN boss also expressed concern over encroachment and wildlife activities around airports, particularly in Lagos, Abuja, and Benin. She said that waste disposal by nearby communities has created environments that attract birds and increase the risk of bird strikes.
“We have continued regular awareness campaigns and community engagement to minimize wildlife hazards. We are also working with ornithologists to ensure a safe and secure environment around our airports,” she said.
According to her, FAAN has launched a sanitation and clearance exercise to remove illegal settlements and activities near airport perimeters.
“We have reached out to tanker drivers, limousine parks, and bus operators along airport roads to vacate these areas. They pose safety risks and make the environment hazardous. This is our final appeal before we embark on forceful removal,” Kuku added.
Kuku confirmed that FAAN is collaborating with the Lagos State Government and federal security agencies to clear identified encroached areas and restore safety around airport corridors.
Mrs. Kuku reiterated FAAN’s commitment to maintaining safe airport operations through training, inter-agency collaboration, and strict adherence to aviation safety protocols.
“Our procedures are alive and well understood. We remain focused on ensuring that Nigeria’s airports meet global safety standards,” she said.
Olapeju is a journalist and aviation reporter.
