The Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA) has carried out a simulation exercise at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, to test the country’s preparedness to respond in case of an air emergency.
The exercise also aligns with the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) regulations.
At the debriefing after a demonstration and response to an induced aircraft crash emergency in Abuja, the director of Air Traffic Services, represented by the acting general manager of Search and Rescue, Agoro Abayomi, commended all participating agencies for responding promptly to the emergency.
He said the exercise was not merely a routine drill but a vital component of the collective commitment to maintaining Nigeria’s highest aviation safety and emergency preparedness standards.
He said, “It is my great pleasure to welcome you all to today’s multi-agency aircraft crash mock exercise at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport.
“The Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA), in collaboration with our esteemed partners across multiple agencies, reaffirms that the safety of passengers, crew, and aircraft remains paramount and non-negotiable.
As we are all aware, aviation is unforgiving of errors. For this reason, exercises such as this are designed to test our level of readiness, strengthen inter-agency coordination, and evaluate our response strategies in the event of an aircraft emergency.
“Our overarching goal is clear: to ensure that, should a real-life incident occur, we are fully prepared to respond swiftly, effectively, and in a coordinated manner that saves lives and minimises damage.
Also speaking at the debriefing, Ogunba Adeniyi, a participant from the Directorate of Aerodrome and Airspace Standards, said the exercise is a regulatory requirement.
He explained that the preparedness in case of a real crash is to make sure that everybody knows their role as a stakeholder in the industry.
“This kind of exercise is a regulatory function which needs to be done radically to test the aerodrome emergency plan of the airport,” he stated.
Also, the coordinator of the Search and Rescue Mission, Onwuakpa Marcel, said the exercise is part of airport auditing: ” That part of auditing is to ensure that we conduct this type of exercise.
