FAAN Strikes A Bullet Against Bird Strikes

The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) has acquired and deployed some birds and wildlife equipment as a measure against incidents and hazards of birds strikes at the nation’s airports.

At the commissioning of the equipment held at FAAN’s headquarters annex in Lagos, the Managing Director/Chief Executive of the Authority, Capt. Rabiu Yadudu, who was represented by the Director of Commercial and Business Development, Alhaji Sadiku Rafindadi noted that the equipment were “some of the best you can get around, as the Authority procured them on the recommendation of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO).”

According to Yadudu, the deployment of these equipment will usher in an era of safe flight operations, as incidents relating to birds strikes will now be a thing of the past.

In his remarks, the Authority’s Director of Airport Operations, Capt. Muktar Muye expressed his delight at the arrival of the equipment. He noted that what was being commissioned was not just the equipment but a complete package that also included the recommended storage facility, patrol vehicle and trained personnel in line with ICAO/s Standards and Recommended Practices.

Some of the hitech equipment commissioned include 3 different models of bird scaring gas canons, Dayboxes for carrying pyrotechnics during Operations for safety, 15,000 rounds of 12G (heavy caliber bird scaring pyrotechnics), Hi-tech bird laser, Personal Protective Equipment for staff dealing with wildlife, Purpose built TYPE IV explosive storage magazine, Brand new Hilux jeep for Runway wildlife patrol, amongst others.

The event climaxed with a practical demonstration of the use of some of the equipment by the representative of the MD/CE and the Director of Airport Operations.

Also in attendance were the General Managers; Operations, Mrs. Olajumoke Oni; Environment, Mr. Nehemiah Auta; Special Duties, Mr. Kabiru Muhammed; Airport Rescue and Fire Fighting Service, Mr. John Ekpe; Regional General Manager, South West, Mrs. Victoria Shin-Aba; representative of the GM, Corporate Affairs, Mrs. Henrietta Yakubu, AGM Corporate Affairs, Mrs. Christabel Eromosele; Chief of Staff to MD/CE, Mr. Lawal Abdullahi, amongst others.