First in history: Nigeria to start ARFF training domestically

For the first time, Nigeria is poised to start conducting Aircraft Rescue and Firefighting (ARFF) training domestically, after the certification of the Aerodrome Emergency Training School of the Nigerian College of Aviation Technology (NCAT), Zaria.

NaijaOnPoint.com.ng (NOP) reports the Aerodrome Emergency Training School of the Nigerian College of Aviation Technology (NCAT), Zaria was on October 29, 2024 granted the certification to provide ARFF training in the country.

The ARFF training will equip aviation officers with essential skills in emergency response, mitigation, evacuation, and rescue operations for passengers and crew involved in aviation incidents and accidents.

According to a statement by the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) on Monday, the accreditation is in line with the vision and mantra of the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo on the ease of doing business in the sector.

The statement reads: “In a significant  move to enhance Nigeria’s aviation standards, the Honorable Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, continues to drive  his  five-point agenda focused on advancing safety, infrastructure, support for local operators, human capacity development, and revenue generation in the sector.

“During his visit to the Nigerian College of Aviation Technology (NCAT) Zaria,  on June 19, 2024, the Honourable Minister, in reinforcing the Federal government’s commitment towards advancing aviation education and infrastructure, emphasized the vision of positioning Nigeria as a leading aviation hub in Africa, aligning with national objectives for growth and development in the sector.

“In line with this vision, and his mantra on ease of doing business, the Acting Director-General Civil Aviation Authority (Ag.DGCA)  Capt.Chris Najomo on October 29, 2024 granted certification to the Aerodrome Emergency Training School of the Nigerian College of Aviation Technology (NCAT), Zaria to provide Aircraft Rescue and Firefighting (ARFF) training in Nigeria.

“As the regulator of Nigerian airspace, the NCAA ensures strict compliance with safety standards, overall enhancement of Nigeria airspace safety, standardization of rescue and firefighting protocols across airports. Hence, for the first time, Nigeria will conduct ARFF training domestically, equipping aviation officers with essential skills in emergency response, mitigation, evacuation, and rescue operations for passengers and crew involved in aviation incidents and accidents.

“This accreditation will further position Nigeria as a key player in international aviation safety, fostering positive foreign exchange inflows through  increase enrollment in ARFF training programs and elevating Nigeria’s recognition among domestic and international aviation stakeholders.

“Credit must be given to the Flight Standards Group (FSG) at the NCAA, led by their Chairman, Engr. Godwin Balang for driving the DGCA’s mantra”.