By Salifu Faridat
The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) has issued a statement regarding a recent “smoke incident” at the Murtala Muhammed Airport in Lagos.
According to Abdullahi Yakubu-Funtua, the FAAN spokesperson, the incident occurred on Wednesday, prompting swift action from airport authorities.
The incident, which began at around 7 a.m., was linked to a suspected electrical spark in the baggage hall ceiling of Terminal 1 at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, located in Ikeja, Lagos.
Investigation revealed that the source of the smoke was a burning lithium inverter battery installation in the basement.
FAAN acted promptly to address the situation. The Aerodrome Rescue and Fire Fighting Services (ARFFS) at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, in collaboration with the Electrical Department of the Authority, initiated immediate measures to control and manage the incident.
Safety remained a top priority during this incident. As a precautionary measure, both airport staff and passengers were evacuated from the terminal building in light of the smoke incident.
Abdullahi Yakubu-Funtua emphasized FAAN’s unwavering commitment to the safety and well-being of all individuals at the airport.
He also stressed the importance of learning from such incidents to improve safety protocols and prevent recurrences.
In response to the incident, experts and authorities suggest several measures and best practices to enhance airport safety:
Regular Maintenance and Inspections: Conduct routine maintenance and inspections of electrical systems, equipment, and infrastructure to identify potential issues before they escalate.
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Fire Safety Equipment: Ensure airports are equipped with advanced fire detection and suppression systems, regularly tested and maintained.
Training and Drills: Train airport staff and first responders in emergency procedures, including fire evacuation drills.
Battery Safety: Pay special attention to the safety of battery installations, particularly lithium batteries.
Electrical Upgrades: Continuously upgrade electrical systems to meet safety standards and accommodate increased power demands.
Emergency Response: Establish a well-coordinated emergency response plan, involving all relevant agencies and personnel.
Compliance: Ensure compliance with safety regulations and standards through regular audits.
Risk Assessment: Conduct regular risk assessments to identify potential hazards and vulnerabilities.
Communication: Maintain effective communication systems to disseminate information during incidents.
Public Awareness: Educate passengers and airport users about safety procedures.
Continuous Improvement: Foster a culture of continuous improvement in safety measures.
Collaboration: Collaborate with relevant authorities and experts to stay updated on safety practices.
These measures, when implemented effectively, can significantly reduce the risk of incidents at airports, ensuring the safety of all personnel and passengers.
