FAAN Reaffirms Commitment to Emergency Preparedness, Strengthens Collaboration with LASEMA
The Managing Director of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), Olubunmi Kuku, has reaffirmed the Authority’s commitment to deepening collaboration with the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency in the areas of emergency preparedness, disaster management and coordinated response operations.
Mrs. Kuku gave the assurance during a courtesy visit by the Permanent Secretary and Chief Executive Officer of LASEMA, Olufemi Damilola Oke-Osanyintolu, to the FAAN headquarters in Lagos.
Speaking during the meeting, the FAAN boss commended LASEMA for its consistent support and cooperation during emergency situations at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, noting that the longstanding relationship between both agencies had significantly enhanced emergency response coordination and incident management across Lagos State.
She described the partnership between FAAN and LASEMA as strategic, particularly in the conduct of emergency mock drills, disaster response exercises and safety management operations within airport environments.
According to her, such collaboration remains critical in ensuring the safety of passengers, airport workers and aviation infrastructure.
Mrs. Kuku also welcomed LASEMA’s proposal seeking FAAN’s participation in the proposed Lagos Institute of Disaster Management, an initiative being established by the Lagos State Government in partnership with Lagos State University, the International Organization for Migration and other institutions.
While acknowledging the importance of additional training in areas such as Basic Life Support, Advanced Life Support, disaster management, recovery and logistics, the FAAN Managing Director stressed that all training programmes involving airport personnel must align with the operational standards and regulatory frameworks of the International Civil Aviation Organization and the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority.
She emphasised that FAAN operates under strict aviation safety and regulatory guidelines, adding that any decision regarding participation in the proposed programmes would be subject to necessary approvals and compliance requirements.
Mrs. Kuku further disclosed that FAAN already operates a structured emergency management system with designated Incident Commanders responsible for coordinating emergency operations across airport facilities nationwide.
To ensure sustained engagement on the initiative, she announced the appointment of the South-West Regional Manager, Arewa Olatokunbo, as FAAN’s focal point for further discussions with LASEMA.
Reiterating FAAN’s commitment to the partnership, Mrs. Kuku said the Authority would continue to work closely with LASEMA in advancing emergency preparedness, coordinated response mechanisms and aviation safety management in line with global best practices.
Earlier in his remarks, Dr. Oke-Osanyintolu said the visit was aimed at strengthening collaboration between FAAN, LASEMA and the Lagos State Government in the area of disaster management and emergency response.
He explained that LASEMA was seeking FAAN’s support and active participation in the proposed Lagos Institute of Disaster Management in recognition of the Authority’s critical role in emergency management within the aviation sector.
