BY Olapeju Olubi
With airlines’ cries of frequent bird strikes reaching a crescendo, the Managing Director of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), Mrs. Olubunmi Kuku, has responded and officially launched the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) Wildlife Hazard Control Equipment.
The strategic initiative, aside dealing with the growing menace of bird strikes and wildlife hazards at airports across the country, will bolster aviation safety standards in Nigeria.
Speaking at the commissioning event held at the Murtala Muhammed Airport (MMA), Lagos on Friday, Mrs. Kuku, represented by Captain Abdullahi Mahmood, Director of Airport Operations, emphasised the agency’s unflinching commitment to ensuring the safety of air travel.
Bird strikes, a notorious threat to aviation worldwide, have been a pressing concern in Nigeria.
Recognising the potential risks these incidents pose to both passengers and aircraft, FAAN has invested heavily in advanced wildlife hazard control technology.
“Today, we are not just commissioning this vital ICAO Wildlife Hazard Control Equipment; we are strengthening the very foundation of aviation safety across Nigeria.
“This state-of-the-art equipment will be deployed to airports nationwide, where it will play a critical role in mitigating wildlife threats and ensuring that our airspaces are safer than ever before,” Kuku noted.
FAAN’s decision to enhance its capabilities is grounded in the agency’s long-standing experience with the dangers posed by bird strikes.
These incidents, though often overlooked by the public, have the potential to cause severe damage to aircraft, leading to engine failures, expensive repairs, and operational disruptions.
Kuku elaborated further, saying, “In recent months, we have seen an increase in bird strike incidents, thankfully without any resulting accidents.
“However, the damage to aircraft engines has been substantial, causing delays, cancellations, and financial losses to airlines. This equipment is a proactive measure to prevent such disruptions and maintain the highest safety standards for both passengers and crew.”
Though the exact financial investment was not disclosed, Kuku acknowledged that millions of naira had been spent to acquire the sophisticated equipment. She also expressed deep gratitude to airline operators for their patience and collaboration, especially during periods of heightened bird strike activity.
“We understand the challenges faced by airlines when bird strikes occur, and we are incredibly appreciative of the operators’ support and cooperation. Their understanding, despite the disruption to their operations, has been critical as we worked to secure and deploy this equipment,” she added.
Also speaking, the General Manager of Environmental Services at FAAN, Mrs. Nanlo Christopher, extended her appreciation to the Managing Director, the Director of Airport Operations, and the entire FAAN leadership team for their commitment to addressing wildlife hazards.
She acknowledged the importance of the equipment, noting that its arrival marks a turning point in FAAN’s efforts to combat bird strikes, which had escalated to alarming levels.
“At one point, these incidents became almost a weekly occurrence. We are now relieved that the ICAO equipment is here and will soon be operational. This is a major victory for aviation safety in Nigeria,” Christopher said.
She also called for improvements in the procurement process to ensure quicker delivery of such critical resources in the future.
Christopher highlighted the airline operators’ patience and professionalism, commending them for not resorting to legal actions despite the numerous disruptions caused by bird strikes.
“Their resilience and partnership have been invaluable in our journey to reduce wildlife hazards at our airports,” she concluded.
With the deployment of this cutting-edge equipment, stakeholders note that FAAN is positioned to appreciably reduce bird strike incidents and protect Nigeria’s airspace, ensuring safer skies for both passengers and airlines across the country.
