FAAN MD Reaffirms Commitment to Emergency Preparedness and Strengthens Collaboration with LASEMA

Mrs. Olubunmi Kuku, Managing Director of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), confirmed the Authority’s ongoing commitment to deepen its partnership with the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA) in emergency preparedness, disaster management, and coordinated response operations.

She made the statement on Wednesday during a courtesy visit by LASEMA’s Permanent Secretary and Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Olufemi Damilola Oke‑Osanyintolu, to FAAN’s headquarters in Lagos.

Mrs. Kuku praised LASEMA for its continued support during emergencies at Murtala Muhammed International Airport, noting that the collaboration has significantly improved emergency response coordination and incident management across Lagos State.

She described the partnership as strategic, particularly in areas such as mock drills, disaster response exercises, and safety management within airport environments.

Mrs. Kuku also welcomed LASEMA’s proposal for FAAN’s participation in the Lagos Institute of Disaster Management, an initiative being launched by the Lagos State Government in partnership with Lagos State University (LASU), the International Organization for Migration (IOM), and other institutions.

While acknowledging the need for additional training in Basic Life Support, Advanced Life Support, Disaster Management, Recovery, and Logistics, the FAAN MD emphasized that all training programmes for airport personnel must align with the operational standards and regulatory frameworks of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) and the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA).

She added that FAAN operates under strict aviation safety and regulatory guidelines, and any decision to join the proposed programmes would require the necessary approvals and compliance checks.

According to Mrs. Kuku, FAAN already has a structured emergency management system, with designated Incident Commanders coordinating emergency operations across its airport facilities.

To maintain ongoing dialogue on the initiative, she appointed Mr. Arewa Olatokunbo, FAAN’s South‑West Regional Manager, as the focal point for further discussions with LASEMA.

Mrs. Kuku reiterated FAAN’s dedication to sustaining its long‑standing collaboration with LASEMA, aiming to advance emergency preparedness, coordinated response mechanisms, and aviation safety management in line with global best practices.

Earlier, Dr. Olufemi Damilola Oke‑Osanyintolu said the visit was intended to strengthen cooperation between FAAN, LASEMA, and the Lagos State Government in disaster management and emergency response.

He explained that LASEMA was seeking FAAN’s support and participation in the Lagos Institute of Disaster Management, recognizing the Authority’s pivotal role in aviation‑sector emergency management.