MMIA fire: NAFSA commends firefighters

The Nigerian Aviation Fire and Safety Association (NAFSA) has commended responders who contained Monday’s fire at Terminal One of Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA).

NAFSA National President, Mr Sunday Ugbeikwu, gave the commendation on Tuesday in Lagos.

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Ugbeikwu praised firefighters of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) and other agencies for their bravery and swift response in containing the blaze.

He said responders faced restricted access to the fire scene but manoeuvred difficult terrain to bring the inferno under control.

Ugbeikwu called for a special hazard allowance for FAAN firefighters, citing the risks and occupational dangers associated with their duties.

“Two of our men became casualties yesterday and were rushed to hospital before the situation was managed.

“We only know our resumption time; we do not know our closing time, because emergencies can keep a firefighter away from family for days,” he said.

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Ugbeikwu stressed the importance of teamwork among responders and criticised an assisting agency for claiming sole credit for the operation.

“The success was collective. We advise assisting agencies to desist from such attitudes in future.

“All firefighting and rescue operations were carried out through collaboration and synergy,” he said.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports the fire began about 3.00 p.m. on Monday and was extinguished around 2.00 a.m. on Tuesday.

NAN also reports that FAAN Managing Director, Mrs Olubunmi Kuku, said six persons sustained injuries and were in stable condition.

After flight suspensions and diversion of three international airlines, operations resumed at about 7.20 p.m. on Monday.

(NAN)