Executives of the Nigerian Aviation Fire and Safety Association (NAFSA) have expressed serious concern over the increasing frequency of runway excursions in Lagos to firefighters. The group voiced their worries during a courtesy visit to the Director General of the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau, Capt. Alex Badeh (Jnr), in Abuja.
NAFSA commended Capt. Badeh (Jnr) for the swift investigation and subsequent safety recommendations concerning the Dana Aircraft 5N BKI incident, which skidded off the runway in Lagos on April 23, 2024. National President of NAFSA, Comrade Ugbeikwu Sunday, stated, “Another runway excursion involving XeJet aircraft in Lagos just 19 days later is alarming.” He emphasized that the interval between these incidents was too close for comfort.
Ugbeikwu also confirmed another similar aircraft incident in Abuja over a week ago, involving an Azman Air B737 with Reg. No. 5N-YSM. Although the nature of the emergency differed from those in Lagos, he stressed that it was high time the Safety Recommendations issued by the NSIB were implemented. “The frequent rate of aircraft incidents portends danger to the aviation sector,” Ugbeikwu warned.
Despite the readiness of firefighters to respond to emergencies, Ugbeikwu emphasized the importance of compliance with Safety Recommendations. “The fatal nature of aircraft accidents makes it crucial for those responsible to comply with the Safety Recommendations,” he added.
Responding, Captain Badeh (Jnr) welcomed NAFSA’s visit, seeing it as an opportunity for collaboration to ensure safety is upheld. “The visit of NAFSA to NSIB provides an opportunity for collaboration in sensitization towards ensuring safety,” he remarked.
Captain Badeh (Jnr) emphasized that the NSIB will continue to perform its duties diligently. He also urged regulators across all modes of transportation to implement Safety Recommendations. “We count on the regulators for implementation of Safety Recommendations,” he stated.
He further encouraged NAFSA to engage the NCAA and other aviation agencies in implementing the Safety Recommendations. “Timely and appropriate actions can achieve better results,” he said. Captain Badeh (Jnr) also commended the firefighters, noting their laudable response to the Dana Air and other runway excursions in Lagos, even though the crew had not declared an emergency.
