The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) said it has commissioned some birds/wildlife equipment in a bid to improve on safety of flight operations by effectively managing birds/wildlife hazards at the nation’s airports.
At an event held at FAAN’s headquarters annex in Lagos, the Managing Director of the Authority, Captain Rabiu Yadudu, who was represented by the Director of Commercial and Business Development, Alhaji Sadiku Rafindadi noted that the equipment are some of the best around, as the Authority procured them on the recommendation of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO).
According to the MD, the deployment of these equipment will improve safe flight operations by checking incidents relating to birds strikes.
Capt. Muktar Muye, FAAN Director of Airport Operations, expressed delight at the arrival of the equipment. He noted that what was being commissioned was not just the equipment but a complete package that also includes the recommended storage facility, patrol vehicle and trained personnel in line with ICAO Standards and Recommended Practices (SARPs).
Some of the equipment commissioned include 3 different models of bird scaring gas canons, Dayboxes for carrying pyrotechnics during Operations for safety, 15,000 rounds of 12G (heavy caliber bird scaring pyrotechnics), Hi-tech bird laser, Personal Protective Equipment for staff dealing with wildlife, purpose-built Type IV explosive storage magazine, Brand new Hilux vehicle for Runway wildlife patrol, amongst others.
Also in attendance were the General Managers, Operations, Mrs. Olajumoke Oni; Environment, Mr. Nehemiah Auta; Special Duties, Mr. Kabiru Muhammed; Airport Rescue and Fire Fighting Service, Mr. John Ekpe; Regional General Manager, South West, Mrs. Victoria Shin-Aba; representative of the GM Corporate Affairs, Mrs. Christabel Eromosele; Chief of Staff to MD/CE, Mr. Lawal Abdullahi, amongst others.