The Nigerian Aviation Fire and Safety Association (NAFSA) has praised FAAN firefighters and other emergency responders for their courage and selflessness during the recent fire outbreak at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), Lagos, describing their actions as heroic.
Addressing journalists in Lagos on Tuesday, NAFSA National President, Comrade Ugbeikwu Sunday, said the firefighters displayed exceptional resilience in battling the blaze that erupted around 3pm on Monday and was finally brought under control at about 1:30am on Tuesday.
He disclosed that firefighters faced severe challenges, including difficult access to the fire scene, but still managed to manoeuvre through obstacles to contain the inferno.
Ugbeikwu used the occasion to highlight the dangers faced daily by aviation firefighters and called on authorities to introduce a special hazard allowance to reflect the risks associated with their profession.
“Two of our men were injured and rushed to the hospital. Firefighters do not know when they will return home; an emergency can keep them away from their families for two or three days,” he said.
He also criticised any assisting agency that attempted to claim sole responsibility for the successful firefighting operation, stressing that the outcome was the result of collective effort.
“The success was collective. Firefighting and rescue operations depend on teamwork and synergy. No single agency should claim credit for what was a joint operation,” he stated.
Ugbeikwu concluded that stronger collaboration, improved welfare, and better operational support are necessary to enhance emergency response capacity and protect the lives of aviation safety personnel.
