….as Board chairman applauds firefighters
The Chairman of the Board of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria, Dr. Abdullahi Ganduje, has described the recent fire outbreak at Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, as a deeply concerning incident that struck at the very core of aviation safety.
Speaking during an on-the-spot assessment of the affected site, Dr. Ganduje said the Board deemed it necessary to visit in person, stressing that safety remains FAAN’s fundamental value.
According to him, the fire posed serious risks to passengers, staff, equipment and critical infrastructure.
While acknowledging the extent of damage to sensitive installations, he commended the Managing Director and her management team, particularly the more than 150 firefighters who battled the blaze until it was completely extinguished, for their swift and coordinated response.
He noted with relief that no lives were lost.
Although the official investigation report is still being awaited, FAAN board chairman said the situation is now under control.
He admitted the incident presents a setback to ongoing aviation reforms under President Bola Tinubu, but expressed confidence in the resilience and professionalism of FAAN personnel.
Dr. Ganduje e also praised the media for promptly informing Nigerians about both the outbreak and its containment.
Beyond the fire scene, the Board chairman was taken on a tour of the ongoing remodelling works at the international terminal, which he described as world-class.
He said the transformation reflects quality delivery and aligns with the broader aviation reform agenda.
Also speaking during the visit, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Aviation, Senator Abdulfatai Buhari, said members of the National Assembly from both chambers resolved to conduct an immediate assessment despite ongoing budget defence sessions.
He thanked God that the incident recorded no fatalities and lauded FAAN and other aviation agencies for their rapid intervention, noting that flight diversions were professionally handled and normal operations resumed swiftly, with international carriers landing later the same night.
Senator Buhari emphasized that investigations are ongoing and cautioned against speculation, stating that neither the Senate nor the House would pre-empt the outcome.
Similarly, Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Aviation, Abdullahi Garba, said the Managing Director demonstrated commendable leadership, stabilizing the situation within three hours.
He reiterated that lawmakers would await the outcome of the investigation before drawing conclusions, affirming the National Assembly’s commitment to aviation safety oversight.
Reporting By Nosa Aituamen