The Federal Government has reaffirmed its commitment to aviation safety and security as preparations intensify for the Nigeria International Air Show (NIA), with a focus on boosting national capacity for airport emergencies and aeromedical evacuation.
At a planning session held at the Airport Manager’s Conference Room, Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, key stakeholders, including the Nigerian Air Force (NAF), Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA), National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), Nigeria Police Force, medical experts, and referral hospitals, convened to harmonize strategies for emergency response.
The session, co-chaired by Brian Williams, Managing Director of the Nigeria International Air Show, and Godwin Balang, Chairman of the Emergency & Safety Sub-Committee (NIA/NCAA), featured technical presentations and tabletop simulation exercises on scenarios such as mid-air bird strikes, pilot ejection, aircraft engine fires involving VIPs, mass-casualty incidents, security breaches, and heat-related emergencies.
In a statement signed by Odutayo Oluseyi, Head of Press and Public Affairs at the Ministry of Aviation, Williams disclosed that stakeholders resolved to establish a dedicated Emergency Operations Center (EOC), designate hospital landing sites for Helicopter Emergency Medical Services (HEMS), draft Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) among aviation, defense, security, and medical agencies, and create an integrated command structure with an Airport Incident Commander for the 2025 Air Show.
She further revealed that the Air Show will introduce Nigeria’s first Volunteer Emergency & Safety Corps, trained in Basic Life Support (BLS) and the use of Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs), to strengthen safety measures for the over 30,000 delegates expected.
“The Nigeria International Air Show will not only showcase our compliance with international aviation best practices but also deepen inter-agency collaboration for the safety of all participants,” Williams said.
Also speaking, Aina Ayodeji, Head of FAAN Medical at Abuja International Airport, described the initiative as a landmark step that will safeguard participants and set a new national benchmark for airport emergency and aeromedical preparedness.
The Nigeria International Air Show 2025 is scheduled to hold in Abuja, bringing together global aviation stakeholders to promote innovation, safety, and international cooperation in the sector.
