BY OLAPEJU OLUBI
Bravery under fire. That sums the National leadership of the Nigerian Aviation Fire and Safety Association’s (NAFSA) position as it commended the courage and professionalism of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) firefighters and other assisting agencies for their swift response during Monday’s fire incident at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), Lagos.
Speaking to journalists in Lagos on Tuesday, NAFSA National President, Comrade Ugbeikwu Sunday, praised the firefighters for demonstrating resilience under difficult conditions while battling the inferno that broke out around 3pm on Monday and was fully extinguished around 1:30am on Tuesday.
He noted that the operation was complicated by poor accessibility to the fire scene, but stressed that the firefighters still “maneuvered the difficult terrain to bring the situation under control.”
He described their response as a reflection of dedication to public safety and professional duty.
Comrade Sunday also renewed calls for improved welfare packages for FAAN firefighters, particularly the introduction of special Hazard Allowance to reflect the risks associated with their job.
He explained the emotional and physical toll of emergency response work, stating that
“Two of our men fell casualties yesterday and were rushed to the hospital before the situation could be managed. We only know our resumption time; we do not know our closing time because an emergency such as that of yesterday can keep a firefighter away from his family for two to three days.”
He further emphasised the importance of teamwork in emergency response operations while cautioning against attempts to take individual credit.
“The success was collective. We advise assisting agencies to desist from such attitudes in the future. All firefighting and rescue operations were achieved through collaborative efforts and synergy,” he said.
NAFSA reiterated its commitment to promoting safety standards and protecting the welfare of aviation emergency responders.
Olapeju is a journalist and aviation reporter.
