The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) has taken significant steps to combat Bird Aircraft Strike Hazards (BASH) at airports by commissioning new Wildlife Hazard Control Equipment procured from the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO).
This new equipment, unveiled at the Murtala Muhammed Airport (MMA) in Lagos by FAAN’s Managing Director, Mrs. Olubunmi Kuku, aims to enhance safety and reduce the frequency of bird strikes, which have increasingly disrupted flight operations in Nigeria.
Speaking at the commissioning, Kuku, represented by the Director of Airport Operations, Capt. Abdullahi Mohmood, acknowledged the dangers bird strikes pose to aircraft, including severe engine damage and operational disruptions. She emphasized FAAN’s commitment to distributing the equipment across airports nationwide to mitigate wildlife hazards. While she did not disclose the exact costs, it was revealed that millions of naira were invested in procuring the equipment.
General Manager of Environmental Services, Mrs. Nanlo Christopher, expressed appreciation for the efforts to reduce bird strikes, noting that the issue had been causing frequent disruptions, including flight delays and cancellations. She urged for a more efficient procurement process in the future to prevent similar delays in acquiring safety equipment.
FAAN continues to collaborate with airline operators to ensure the successful deployment and use of this equipment, reaffirming its dedication to improving aviation safety across Nigeria.
