By Oso Abidemi
To maintain global operational standards, the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA), on Thursday conducted a large-scale emergency simulation at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport (NAIA), Abuja, ahead of a crucial audit by the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO).
The full-scale aircraft crash simulation, involving multiple emergency response agencies, is part of Nigeria’s mandatory compliance requirements for airport recertification.
The mock drill tested emergency response protocols, inter-agency coordination, and overall preparedness to handle aviation disasters.
Speaking at the event, Mr. John Tayo, Director of Air Traffic Services at NAMA, represented by Mr. Agoro Abayomi, Acting General Manager, Search and Rescue, said the exercise reflects Nigeria’s commitment to international aviation safety benchmarks.
“Our preparedness today is what guarantees safety and operational continuity tomorrow,” he said, adding that the simulation was designed to evaluate real-time crisis response, not assign blame.
The exercise brought together key agencies including the Nigerian Armed Forces, FAAN, NCAA, NiMet, FRSC, Fire and Rescue Services, medical personnel, the Nigerian Air Force, and other security and emergency stakeholders.
Mr. Macel Onwuakpa, Search and Rescue Mission Coordinator at NAIA, stressed the importance of the exercise in achieving ICAO recertification.
“This simulation is a prerequisite for ICAO auditing. It helps assess our stakeholders’ professionalism and coordination in responding to an actual aircraft emergency,” he explained.
He noted that observations made during the exercise will be reviewed in post-event debriefings to improve efficiency and close operational gaps.
The initiative reinforces Nigeria’s drive to retain international recognition for its airports while ensuring passenger safety remains a top priority.
