FAAN Firefighters under the aegis of Nigerian Aviation Fire and Safety Association (NAFSA) has officially rejected the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria’s (FAAN) proposed four-week E-learning Initial (Basic) Firefighters Course.
The association described the plan as an “aberration” that undermines international firefighting standards. In a letter to FAAN Managing Director/CEO, Comrade Ugbeikwu Sunday Ugbeikwu, National President of NAFSA, warned that online training threatens the quality of FAAN firefighters and could compromise airport safety nationwide.
NAFSA highlighted that the proposed E-learning course ignores ICAO Annex 14, Volume I, Chapter 9, which mandates hands-on, practical exercises. NFPA 1001, the Standard for Fire Fighter Professional Qualifications, similarly requires experiential training through active participation in simulations and drills. The association emphasised that four weeks of online training plus two weeks of practical sessions is inadequate to meet these standards.
“The Initial (Basic) Firefighters Course requires the physical presence of trainees before practical exercises, hence the E-learning compromises safety standards as it is only perfunctory,” the letter read. NAFSA warned that promoting online training could mislead FAAN management into believing it is sufficient, while it falls short of ICAO and NCAA recommendations.
The association noted that the Initial (Basic) Firefighters Course was previously conducted over three months with full physical attendance. It was later shortened to six weeks, still allowing trainees to achieve all core competencies and key objectives. The new proposal of four weeks online followed by two weeks in-person training, NAFSA argued, further lowers standards and is “dead on arrival.”
FAAN Firefighters Training Attendance
Attendance during the online sessions has been inconsistent. Out of nearly 200 FAAN firefighters scheduled to participate, only 8–11 trainees were online simultaneously on three different occasions. NAFSA described this as “ineffective and potentially catastrophic,” noting that both skill acquisition and mental readiness are compromised. Firefighting requires physical and psychological preparedness, which cannot be replicated online.
Discipline is another concern. Physical training fosters punctuality, accountability, and a regimental culture. By contrast, online platforms, including a WhatsApp-based course recently implemented, encourage a lackadaisical approach. Trainees control their devices and connectivity, limiting instructors’ ability to monitor participation. Physical sessions, on the other hand, allow for full engagement and enforce compliance, which is vital in a high-risk profession.
NAFSA also addressed cost arguments. While some FAAN officials have cited the expense of firefighter training, the association stressed that high-risk, equipment-intensive, and facility-heavy training cannot be compromised. “Safety cannot be jettisoned in order to save funds,” Comrade Ugbeikwu stated. Realistic emergency simulations are essential, which drives costs but ensures preparedness.
Key components of the Initial (Basic) Firefighters Course cannot be delivered effectively online. These include airport and aircraft familiarisation, rescue and firefighting operations, live fire drills, breathing apparatus training, first aid, handling dangerous goods, and rescue procedures. Trainees are expected to respond efficiently to emergencies, operate specialised equipment, and apply dynamic risk assessments all requiring in-person practice.
NAFSA recommended that the 200 prospective trainees be trained physically over six weeks in batches of 50-70. The online platform should be closed to prevent distractions and ensure trainees remain focused on their duties. Comrade Ugbeikwu reminded FAAN that firefighters demonstrated their capability during the massive MMIA inferno on 23 February 2026. Compromising training standards, he warned, would undermine their effectiveness and risk airport safety.
“While NAFSA supports judicious use of training funds, it does not support cutting corners, which directly compromises aviation safety and standards,” the letter read. The association urged FAAN to halt the online program immediately and adopt physical training aligned with ICAO and NCAA standards to ensure competence, readiness, and the safety of Nigeria’s FAAN firefighters.
NAFSA, registered for over two decades, has consistently collaborated with the Federal Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development, FAAN, NCAA, NAMA, NCAT, and NSIB. It also works with professional associations such as NATCA and NAAPE, and NGOs like the Aviation Safety, Research, and Training Initiative (ASRTI), which advance aviation safety and efficiency in Nigeria and Africa.
