3rd April, 2023
By Oladele Eniola
The Federal Government intends to deploy the newly acquired N12 billion firefighting vehicles to Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos, Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja, and Malam Aminu Kano International Airport in Kano.
Sen. Hadi Sirika, Minister of Aviation, stated this while presenting the eight firefighting vehicles to the Federal Airport Authority of Nigeria’s Aeronautical Rescue and Fire Fighting Services (FAAN).
Sirika stated that providing critical safety equipment was critical in preventing future accidents.
He stated that in order to improve the safety and security of flight operations, a focus has been placed on infrastructure rehabilitation and upgrade, capacity building, and manpower development.
“ The Lion Volkan 6×6 Brand, Major Aerodrome Rescue and Fire Fighting Vehicles (MFFV) carries 14,000 litres of water, 1,700 litres of foam, and 250kg powder capacity each.
“The equipment has an acceleration rate of 0-80km per hour in 30 seconds as each of the trucks possesses the limitless capacity to discharge while in motion and they are also equipped with under chassis nozzles to tackle running fuel fire.
“It monitors the discharge rate of between 6,000 litres to 10,000 litres per minute and they will be deployed to the Murtala Muhammed Airport, Lagos, Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, and Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport, Kano,” he said.
Earlier, FAAN Managing Director Capt. Rabiu Yadudu stated that a comprehensive training programme for vehicle users and the mechanical department had been planned.
He explained that the training was intended to ensure that the vehicles were properly maintained.
He also revealed that the federal government has delivered eleven ambulances, two response commander vehicles, and aircraft removal and recovery equipment to airports across the country.
“We are promising airport users that FAAN will continue to prioritise safety and security at the nation’s airports.
“I also want to charge the air rescue and fire-fighting department to make the best use of the newly commissioned equipment,” he said
He reiterated FAAN’s commitment to her core values of safety, security and comfort.
NAN