NAFSA commends FAAN for doubling firefighter practical training

The management of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) and Nigerian Aviation Fire and Safety Association (NAFSA), have recently reached a favourable resolution of increasing the duration of the practicals from two to four weeks.

NAFSA had in a letter addressed to the MD/CE FAAN dated 9th March, 2025 rejected the proposed E-learning Initial(Basic) Firefighters Course slated to run for 4 weeks and subsequent practicals for 2 weeks.

Ugbeikwu Sunday Ugbeikwu, the National President of NAFSA,  while speaking to Journalists recently in Lagos emphasised that the major goal of the initial agitation has been achieved as the Firefighters can now have enough time to meet physically and interact with their instructors during the 4 weeks of practicals.

They now have more time for their drills and practical. He maintained that the bone of contention was to ensure that the Firefighters have enough physical classes which has been achieved by the recent decision of four weeks practicals.

He assured that the four weeks practical is enough for the Firefighters to have a good grasp of their jobs such that after the training, they can be deemed as qualified Firefighters. He added that the ineffectiveness of the E-learning has been compensated by the 4 weeks practical.

Sunday Ugbeikwu commended Olubunmi Kuku, the MD/CE FAAN, for her favourable disposition over the issue.

He was appreciative of the  decision of Kuku, adding that the decision is far-reaching and robust.

Ugbeikwu stated that the Association is satisfied with her decision and assures her of the Association’s continued support and encouragement to ensure that the safety of the aviation sector is always prioritized.

In his closing remarks, he called on all the FAAN Firefighters to brace up for the challenges that are concomitant with their profession.

“The firefighting job is a precarious job that is characterized by dangerous occupational hazards, most of which are carcinogenic by nature. Where other people are running away from, that is where the Firefighters will be running into.

“So, the job is a risky one. Finally, he appreciated the Firefighters for their support and assured them that as Gatekeeper of Safety in the Aviation Sector, NAFSA will continue to deepen synergy with FAAN to ensure that the quality of the Aviation Fire Service is ameliorated as mandated by NAFSA Constitution 1998,” he explained.