Airport firefighters under the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) have strongly opposed a planned online basic firefighting training programme, warning that it could seriously undermine aviation safety standards and damage Nigeria’s international aviation safety reputation.
The firefighters, organised under the Nigerian Aviation Fire and Safety Association (NAFSA), described the proposed four-week e-learning course followed by only two weeks of practical training as “an aberration and travesty” that fails to meet global standards.
In a protest letter dated March 9, 2026, addressed to FAAN Managing Director Olubunmi Kuku and obtained by The Guardian, NAFSA President Sunday Ugbeikwu stated that aviation firefighting training cannot be effectively delivered through virtual platforms.
He emphasised that replacing hands-on practical drills with online learning would severely compromise the competence of the more than 200 firefighters responsible for handling aircraft emergencies at Nigerian airports.
The association stressed that the proposal contravenes standards set by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) and the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA). Specifically, ICAO Annex 14 requires airport rescue and firefighting training to include extensive practical exercises, live fire simulations, and physical drills.
Key elements of aviation firefighting training, such as aircraft rescue operations, live fuel fire suppression, breathing apparatus use, and emergency response procedures cannot be adequately taught or assessed online, NAFSA argued.“
The national leadership of NAFSA cannot stand aloof and watch the colossal damage that is about to happen to FAAN firefighters,” the letter read in part.
“This move is contrary to the NCAA/ICAO standards and best practices.”The group warned that firefighters trained predominantly through e-learning may fail to meet the operational demands required for airport rescue and firefighting roles, potentially putting lives and aircraft at risk during real emergencies.
NAFSA expressed confidence that NCAA Director-General Chris Najomo would uphold strict compliance with international aviation safety requirements.
The association reiterated that airport firefighters remain one of the most vital components of aviation safety and must receive rigorous, hands-on training to respond effectively to aircraft incidents.
The letter also noted that initial aviation firefighting training historically lasted about three months before FAAN recently shortened it to six weeks of intensive physical training.
NAFSA suggested the shift to online learning was motivated by cost-cutting, but insisted that safety must always take priority over financial considerations in aviation.
To address logistical challenges without compromising quality, the association proposed training the firefighters in smaller batches of 50 to 70 personnel at a time.
NAFSA concluded by demanding the immediate closure of the online training platform, arguing that it could distract personnel from their critical operational duties.
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