Wilson Adekumola
The Federal Government of Nigeria has prepared to deploy the newly acquired N12 billion fire fighting vehicles to the Murtala Muhammed Airport, Lagos, Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, and Malam Aminu Kano International Airport, Kano.
The News Agency of Nigeria reported that the Minister of Aviation, Sen. Hadi Sirika disclosed this while presenting the eight fire fighting vehicles to the Aeronautical Rescue and Fire Fighting Services of the Federal Airport Authority of Nigeria.
Sirika said that the commitment of the government to improve on the safety of the people and to prevent recurrence of accidents prompted the provision of critical safety equipment.
He affirmed that in order to support safety and security of flight operations, government has considered the rehabilitation and upgrade of infrastructure, 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, 250kg powder capacity each.
“The equipment has an acceleration rate of 0-80km per hour in 30 seconds as each of the truck possesses 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.
The Managing Director of FAAN, Capt. Rabiu Yadudu earlier said that comprehensive training programme had been arranged for the users of the vehicles and the mechanical department.
He maintained that the training was to ensure that the vehicles are properly maintained.
He disclosed that federal government has also delivered eleven ambulances, two response commanders’ vehicles and Aircraft removal and recovery equipment that has been deployed to various 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
Yadudu reassured FAAN’s commitment to her core values of safety, security and comfort.
