NAMA to Conduct Search-n-Rescue Simulation at Abuja Airport to Boost Aviation Emergency Preparedness
The Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA) has announced that its annual Search and Rescue (SAR) Simulation Exercise will take place on Thursday, 31 July 2025, at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja.
The event aims to reinforce Nigeria’s commitment to aviation safety and bolster its emergency response capacity.
In anticipation of the exercise, a comprehensive pre-simulation debriefing was held today at the airport. The session convened major stakeholders from across Nigeria’s aviation and emergency management sectors.
Agencies present included the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB), Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet), Nigerian College of Aviation Technology (NCAT), Nigerian Air Force, National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), Nigeria Police Force, Federal Medical Centre Jabi, Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), as well as ground handling companies such as SAHCO.
Also in attendance were representatives of commercial airlines including Air Peace and Max Air, and community leaders.
During the meeting, each organisation presented its state of readiness and outlined strategic measures for coordinated response during the simulation.
Representatives reaffirmed their dedication to working collaboratively to ensure seamless and timely interventions in the event of actual airspace emergencies.
The SAR simulation exercise is a vital component of Nigeria’s aviation safety strategy. It is designed to test operational efficiency, foster inter-agency synergy, and strengthen national capability in managing aviation-related incidents.
According to NAMA officials, Thursday’s exercise will simulate a real-life aviation emergency scenario, testing the responsiveness and coordination of all participating agencies.
“The purpose of this drill is to ensure that when real emergencies occur, we are not caught unprepared,” a NAMA representative stated during the debriefing. “We are committed to continuously improving our capacity to safeguard lives and maintain airspace safety.”
The exercise aligns with international standards and Nigeria’s obligations under the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) regulations, reinforcing the country’s profile as a safety-conscious aviation nation.
