Minister of Aviation,seventh from right,next to him is Capt.Hamisu Yadudu and other dignitories during the commissioning of the vehicles

For safe,secure and efficient aviation, the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria(FAAN) has acquired ten super-structure, ultra-modern major fire fighting vehicles

Speaking at the commissioning ceremony which took place at the Murtala Muhammed Airport in Lagos,Managing Director of FAAN,Capt Hamisu Yadudu said that in  acquiring the vehicle, the Authority strictly adhered to all regulatory automotive standards for major firefighting vehicles.

“ Each vehicle not only carries 14,000 litres of water; 1,700 litres of foam and 250kg powder capacity it also monitors the discharge rate of between 6,000Litres to 10,000 Litres per minute.”

Speaking further he noted that the  acceleration rate which  is from 0 to 80km/hr in 30 seconds, the trucks can discharge while in motion (professional pump and roll operation) and is equipped with under chassis nozzles to tackle running fuel fire.

He said these vehicles would be deployed to Murtala Muhammed Airport Lagos, Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport Abuja and Malam Aminu Kano International Airport Kano while FAAN is also processing for additional vehicles for Port-Harcourt and Enugu.

While emphasising comprehensive training for the end users of these vehicles and mechanical units would be given,he said that this is to ensure the vehicles are not only used as specified by the manufacturers, they would also be maintained accordingly.

“ In addition to acquisition of the major firefighting vehicles we have procured eight (8) new water tankers for continuous agent applications and more will still come.”

He said  additional eleven (11) ambulances were also procured to replace the obsolete ones that were bought in 1996.

Yadudu said that for the first time the Fire Chiefs have their Response Commanders’ Vehicles, the two new Prado jeeps were deployed to MMA and NAIA respectively, more will also be procured in due course.

“We have also taken delivery of Aircraft Removal and Recovery Equipment that can handle critical aircraft coming to our airports. We also enhanced the provision of dedicated water supply with hydrants. A number of dilapidated Fire Stations were renovated and provision of new ones in Kano and Enugu are in the pipe line.”

More importantly, his Management also took cognizance of the human factor principles – the personnel being the interface between the equipment and application of procedure, consequently, a high percentage of” our budget was channelled to training.”

“This decision enabled our staff to be efficiently integrated with procedures and requirements that make FAAN better.  I am greatly honoured to be part of this transformation for better FAAN and better Aviation Sector. “

Capt.Yadudu explained that FAAN Management dedicates these ten new Aircraft Rescue and Fire Fighting vehicles  to demonstrate its continued and elevated safety focus for passengers, aircraft and other airport users.

He noted that it will boost the certification of international airports in Nigeria which would increase patronage from more international flights and further enhance the confidence of international investors in our nation.

“ These efforts are geared towards ensuring Nigeria becomes an international hub in Africa.”