•Ganduje
Chairman of the Board of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), Abdullahi Umaru Ganduje, has expressed concern over the impact of the recent fire outbreak at Terminal 1 of the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), Lagos, warning that the damage to facilities and equipment could affect ongoing reforms in the aviation sector.
Ganduje spoke today after inspecting the affected areas of the terminal, describing the incident as a major setback, reports The Nation.
He, however, acknowledged the swift intervention of emergency responders and firefighters who mobilised to safeguard passengers, staff and infrastructure.
“We decided to be here in order to see for ourselves, because we say seeing is believing. We have seen the damage that occurred, but at the same time we have to congratulate the Managing Director and her management team, especially the firefighters, over 150 of them who were around until the fire was completely quenched. This is an unfortunate situation,” he said.
He noted that an official report on the cause and extent of the damage was still being compiled by the Managing Director, adding that while the incident poses challenges, aviation personnel remain capable of sustaining reform efforts initiated under President Bola Tinubu.
“From what we have seen, the firefighters did a lot of work. A lot of very sensitive equipment has been destroyed, but no death was recorded. I think the situation is under control, but it is unfortunate,” Ganduje added.
The FAAN Board Chairman also commended the media for keeping the public informed about both the outbreak and its containment.
During the visit, Ganduje was also briefed on the ongoing remodelling of the international airport terminal, noting that construction work is progressing.
He further praised the management for establishing a temporary terminal to cater to passengers while reconstruction of the damaged facility continues.
He said, “I thought I was in one of the well-developed foreign international airports, but I am happy to see that I am in Nigeria and in Lagos. The quality of work is beautiful, and all the equipment is being fixed now, and I think it is going to be a big success with the remodeling of the aviation reform.”
