NIGERIA – The Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA) on Tuesday conducted an Aircraft Emergency Table Top Exercise to enlighten aviation stakeholders on aircraft emergencies and disasters management.

The exercise which took place at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), brought key stakeholders in emergency management and Search and Rescue Units drawn from all the aviation agencies.

The Director of Air Traffic Services (ATS) at the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA), Mr John Tayo urged stakeholders present to take the exercise seriously.

The Director was represented by the General Manager, Search and Rescue (SAR) at NAMA, Mr Sunday Iwalaiye.

He emphasised that Search and Rescue (SAR) was everybody’s business, hence, he streamlined the exercise into two sessions for best results.

“To get fruitful result, we want to separate stakeholders meeting and the aircraft emergency Exercise.

“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 aeronautical emergency,” he noted.

Tayo equally urged the media to take the exercise seriously and report it widely.

In his remark, the Regional General Manager, South West, Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), Mr Olatokunbo Arewa commended the coordinators.

“This is a thing we should all support. Although, no one want emergencies to happen but it does happen. I want all stakeholders to take notes as to know what to do when emergencies occur,” Arewa added.

Alhaji Safo Jiya, a representative of the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) spoke on the 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”.

According to the Quality Assurance Manager (QAM), MMIA, Mr Chris Onohwoakpo, although stakeholders do not wish for emergencies, it is important to learn how to handle such situations when they arise.

The Head of Search and Rescue Unit at NEMA’s Lagos Operations Office, Mrs Adenike Ibitayo said that the last disaster in global aviation was not expected.

“We have representatives of practically all airlines, I appreciate the efforts put in this exercise.

“Let us put our minds together to synergise and identify areas of shortcomings and make progress so that whenever we there is an emergency, we will do the right thing, she said.

Mr Jamin Salami of the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA), opined that what was of importance was how do prevent disasters, as that would help the agencies be more prepared.

On his part, the Search Mission Coordinator, MMIA, Mr David Igberaese who coordinated the exercise, said that NAMA has been conducting joint operations with National Emergency Management Agency and other agencies.

He added that this was to rally more agencies with the aim of rescuing the greatest number of people in the shortest possible time.

“According to the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO), 24 hour watch must be provided in the Search and Rescue operations.

“Search and Rescue is everybody’s business because when it occurs in remote areas, the farmers eventually become the first responders,” Igberaese added.

The high point of the event was the activation of Search and Rescue scenario which was terminated after some minutes of demonstrations before debriefing of the exercise.

The agencies present at the event were the Nigeria Customs Service, Nigeria Immigration Service, Department of State Security, Federal Road Safety Corps, Federal Fire Service, NEMA, LASEMA, Airline Operators of Nigeria, Lagos State Ambulance Services, Nigerian Police Force.