The Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA) on Tuesday hosted a comprehensive Aircraft Emergency Tabletop Exercise at Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA) Conference Centre.
The drill brought together key stakeholders in emergency management and Search and Rescue (SAR) units to enhance their readiness for aircraft emergencies and disasters.
Declaring the exercise open, Director of Air Traffic Services (ATS) at NAMA, John Tayo urged all attendees to approach the training with seriousness.
He also called upon the media to extensively report on the event, reiterating that similar exercises conducted by other agencies had not received adequate media coverage.
Tayo, whose remarks were delivered by Mr. Sunday Iwalaiye, NAMA’s General Manager for SAR, emphasized that Search and Rescue is a collective responsibility.
He outlined the exercise’s two sessions: “Search and Rescue Units and Responsibilities” and “Arrangement Into Groups of Search And Rescue Units According To Their Responsibilities.”
“We cannot start the exercise without knowing clearly the responsibilities of each agency. Any Search and Rescue involving an aircraft is an aeronautical emergency,” Iwalaiye stated.
Stakeholders Emphasize Collaboration and Prevention
The exercise garnered strong support from various participants. Mr. Olatokunbo Arewa, Regional General Manager, South West, FAAN, commended the organizers, urging participants to actively engage.
“This is a thing we should all support. Although no one wants emergencies to happen, but it does happen. I want all stakeholders to take notes so as to know what to do when emergencies occur,” Arewa noted.
Alhaji Safo Jiya, of the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), underscored the paramount importance of safety.
“Safety is paramount for us at NCAA. We are here to learn. Let us be mindful on what we are doing here today”.
Onohwoakpo Chris, Quality Assurance Manager (QAM) at MMIA, echoed the sentiment, stating, “We gathered here to learn on what we don’t ever want to happen in aviation.”
Head of Search and Rescue Unit at the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), Lagos Operations Office, Mrs. Ibitayo Adenike, also praised the initiative.
She highlighted the unforeseen nature of global aviation disasters and stressed the importance of synergy among all stakeholders to identify shortcomings and improve response mechanisms.
Focus on Preparedness and Rapid Response
Engr. Jamin Salami of the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA) expressed satisfaction with the exercise, stressing the need for frequent similar drills.
He particularly emphasized the importance of disaster prevention as a key aspect of preparedness.
Igberaese David, the Search Mission Coordinator at MMIA, who coordinated the exercise, explained its core purpose.
He noted that NAMA’s collaboration with agencies like NEMA and NIMASA led to this joint effort for enhanced performance during incidents.
“The goal is rescuing the greatest number of people in the shortest possible time,” Igberaese asserted, citing the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) requirement for a 24-hour watch in Search and Rescue operations.
He also stressed that “Search and Rescue is everybody’s business because when it occurs in remote areas, the farmers eventually become the first responders.”
The exercise culminated in the activation of a Search and Rescue scenario, which included a brief demonstration followed by a debriefing session.
Participants represented a wide array of organizations, including all aviation agencies, Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS), Department of State Security (DSS), Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) and Federal Fire Service (FFS).
Others are, National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA), Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON), Lagos State Ambulance Services (LASAMBUS), and the Nigerian Police Force (NPF).
