Firefighters attached to the Gateway International Airport (GIA), Ogun State, have completed specialised training in Aerodrome Rescue and Fire Fighting (ARFF) at the Federal Airport Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), Training School in Abuja and the Nigerian College of Aviation Technology (NCAT), Zaria, as part of efforts to strengthen the Airport’s emergency response capacity and enhance aviation safety.

The training, which focused on aircraft firefighting, rescue operations and emergency response procedures, equipped the firefighters with the technical knowledge and practical skills required to respond effectively to aviation-related emergencies in line with International Safety Standards.

Speaking with Journalists, the GIA FAAN Fire Chief, Mr. Akinyode Abayomi, said the training formed part of the Airport’s ongoing manpower development programme, aimed at ensuring that operational personnel possess the competence required to meet the demands of modern airport operations.

“It gives me great pleasure that our firefighters had the opportunity to undergo this specialised training. The programme lasted two weeks—one week in Abuja and another week in Zaria, where they participated in extensive practical sessions.

“As we all know, aircraft firefighting is different from structural firefighting. It requires specialised knowledge, technical skills and a high level of professionalism. This training has further equipped our personnel with the expertise needed to effectively handle aerodrome emergencies,” Akinyode said.

Welcoming the firefighters back to the GIA, the Airport Manager, Mr. Arogundade Adebowale, said the successful completion of the training had reflected the Airport’s commitment to maintaining the highest standard of safety and operational excellence.

According to him, continuous training and retraining of personnel remained critical to building a highly professional workforce capable of protecting lives, aircraft and airport infrastructure during emergencies.

He added that investment in human capital development would remain a priority as part of efforts to position Gateway International Airport as a safe, efficient and globally competitive aviation facility.

“Aerodrome Rescue and Fire Fighting is a specialised aspect of airport emergency services designed to provide rapid response to aircraft accidents and incidents, with the primary objective of saving lives and minimising damage to property,” Adebowale said.

In separate interviews, two participants among the trained officers, Engr. Idowu Samuel and Mr. Abati Oluwaseun, expressed delight for participating in the intensive ARFF programme, saying the training provided valuable practical experience in handling aircraft emergencies and significantly enhanced their professional competence.

They also appreciated the Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, the Ministry of Transportation and the management of Gateway International Airport for allowing them to participate in the training in Abuja and Zaria.