News

FAAN Firefighters Reject Online Training, Warn Of Aviation Safety Risks

Published

2 months ago

March 11, 2026

Airport firefighters under the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), have rejected a proposed online basic firefighting training programme for the staff of the agency.

The firefighters under the aegis of the Nigerian Aviation Fire and Safety Association (NAFSA), warned that the move could compromise aviation safety standards and potentially weaken Nigeria’s global aviation safety standing.

The opposition comes amidst plans by FAAN to introduce a four-week e-learning course followed by two weeks of practical training for over 200 airport firefighters across the country.

NAFSA in a protest letter, signed by its President, Sunday Ugbeikwu, dated March 9, 2026, specifically addressed to the Managing Director of FAAN, Olubunmi Kuku and obtained by The Guardian on Wednesday, described the programme as an “aberration and travesty.”

Ugbeikwu insisted that aviation firefighting training could not be effectively conducted online.

He warned that replacing extensive practical drills with virtual learning would significantly weaken the competence of firefighters responsible for responding to aircraft emergencies at Nigerian airports.

According to the association, the proposal also contradicted global aviation safety standards prescribed by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) and the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA).

Ugbeikwu cited ICAO Annex 14, which stipulates that airport rescue and firefighting training must include hands-on practical exercises and live simulations.

The association said core components of aviation firefighting training such as aircraft rescue operations, live fuel fire suppression, breathing apparatus drills and emergency response procedures, could not be effectively delivered through virtual platforms.

The letter read in part: “The national leadership of NAFSA at this juncture cannot stand aloof and watch the colossal damage that is about to happen to FAAN firefighters, hence this important letter to draw your attention to the matter and to notify you that the firefighters are distraught and disgruntled.

“The leadership of NAFSA has taken a strong stance against the proposal to conduct e-learning initial (Basic) Firefighters Course for FAAN firefighters. This move is contrary to the NCAA/ICAO standards and best practises.”

NAFSA warned that firefighters trained under a predominantly online model may not meet the operational requirements expected of airport rescue and firefighting personnel.

Ugbeikwu expressed confidence that the NCAA, led by its Director-General, Chris Najomo, would insist on strict compliance with internationally recommended standards for aviation firefighting training.

He declared that airport firefighters remained one of the most critical safety components of aviation operations and must undergo rigorous physical training to effectively handle aircraft emergencies.

The association also warned that attempts to shorten training duration and replace physical exercises with online learning could reduce the preparedness of firefighters during real-life aviation emergencies.

He pointed out that the initial training for aviation firefighters lasted about three months before it was recently reduced to six weeks of intensive physical training by FAAN.

He purported that the e-learning model was introduced as part of efforts to cut training costs, but insisted that safety considerations must always take precedence over financial constraints in aviation.

Ugbeikwu further suggested that the over 200 firefighters scheduled for the training should be trained in batches of between 50 and 70 personnel if logistical limitations prevented them from undergoing the programme simultaneously.

NAFSA further called for the immediate closure of the online platform created for the training programme, arguing that it could distract personnel from their operational duties

News

LASG Fixes Dates For Public Service Exams, Releases CBT Guidelines

Published

4 hours ago

May 7, 2026

Editor

The Lagos State Government, through the Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education and the Lagos State Examinations Board, has released the timetable and guidelines for the 2026 Public Service Examinations.

In a statement by the Lagos State Government, the announcement, which aligns with a prior circular from the Head of Service with Ref No: CIR/HOS/’26/005 dated January 21, 2026, sets out key instructions for candidates preparing for the exercise.

The examinations will hold between Tuesday, May 12 and Tuesday, May 19, 2026, at the Lagos State Public Service Staff Development Centre (PSSDC), Magodo, Lagos.

They include the Compulsory Examination for all cadres in the State Public Service, the Combined Confirmation/Promotion Examination for Clerical Officers II (CO II) and Clerical Assistants (CA), as well as the External Secretarial Examination.

According to the board, candidates are expected to begin printing their examination slips from Tuesday, May 5, 2026, through the official portal using their registration login details.

The slip will contain key information such as each candidate’s exam date and time.

“All candidates are required to present valid identification at the examination centre. Acceptable forms of identification include Staff Identity Cards, National Identification Number (NIN) slips, and Lagos State Residents Registration Agency (LASRRA) cards,” the statement said.

Candidates are also required to bring printed copies of their examination slips to the venue and must strictly follow the date and time allocated to them.

The board further advised candidates to acquaint themselves with basic computer skills ahead of the exercise, as the examinations will be conducted using a Computer-Based Test, CBT, format.

It also warned that dressing must be formal, adding that inappropriate dressing will not be allowed at the examination centre.

Candidates were urged to comply fully with all instructions to ensure a smooth and orderly process.

“The Lagos State Examinations Board urges all candidates to comply fully with these guidelines to ensure a smooth and orderly examination process,” the statement added.

News

Lagos Shuts Pinnock Beach Estate, Other Properties Over Illegal Sewage Disposal

Published

4 hours ago

May 7, 2026

Editor

The Lagos State Wastewater Management Office, LSWMO, has sealed Pinnock Beach Estate in Osapa London, Lekki, and other properties across the state over alleged illegal discharge of untreated sewage.

The enforcement operation was carried out on Thursday, May 7, 2026, following several warnings and abatement notices issued to the affected properties.

Lagos State Commissioner for Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, said Pinnock Beach Estate was sealed for allegedly pumping untreated sewage into a canal, causing environmental pollution, offensive odour and health risks to residents and aquatic life.

“After several warnings and abatement notices, the Lagos State Wastewater Management Office (LSWMO), on Thursday 7th May, 2026, sealed-off Pinnock Beach Estate, Osapa London, Lekki, Lagos, over deliberate discharge of untreated sewage via pumping machine into the canal causing environmental nuisance, offensive odour, as well as endangering human health and aquatic life,” the commissioner said.

The agency also shut a property at No. 28 Amodu Street, Itire, Surulere, after residents reportedly complained about the continuous discharge of raw sewage into a neighbouring compound and public drains.

LSWMO described the act as a serious environmental and health hazard.

Also affected by the exercise was a property located on Oladipo Dumoye Street, Mashy Hill Estate, Ado Road, Ajah, Eti-Osa area of Lagos.

According to the agency, the property was sealed for allegedly discharging untreated sewage into public drains, leading to pollution, drainage blockage and environmental nuisance.

Another affected property was Vintage Heights Estate on Ojulari Street, Elegushi, Lekki, Eti-Osa, which was accused of pumping untreated sewage into public drains and the surrounding environment.

The agency said the act contributed to offensive odour, pollution and blockage of drainage channels within the area.

The Lagos State Government reiterated the need for residents, estate managers and property owners to comply with proper wastewater management practices.

It warned that anyone found violating environmental regulations would face sanctions and possible prosecution in line with the law.

News

[BREAKING] Ambassadorial Posting: Tinubu Redeploys Fani-Kayode

Published

14 hours ago

May 7, 2026

Editor

President Bola Tinubu has approved the redeployment of Femi Fani-Kayode as ambassador designate to South Africa.

Fani-Kayode was redeployed to South Africa after he was reportedly rejected by the German government.

However, disclosing the current development in a post on X, Fani-Kayode claimed he rejected his initial position to Germany.

He equally claimed he was the one that opted for South Africa.

Fani-Kayode wrote: “It gives me pleasure to announce the fact that Mr. President has graciously approved my posting as Nigeria’s Ambassador-Designate to South Africa.

“This came a few days after the initial posting to Germany was announced and after I made a formal representation to the then Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar, that I was not comfortable with Germany for a number of personal reasons and given the fact that I had lived in Europe most of my life I would prefer to go to South Africa which is a country that I had never been to and for which I have so much interest.

“I also expressed the fact that I would rather serve in a country that shares some of my convictions, beliefs and values when it comes to world affairs, that has the biggest economy in Africa, that has closer ties to Nigeria and that is more proximate to my political thinking when it comes to foreign affairs and a pan African vision.

“I therefore made an application for a redeployment to South Africa two days after the initial announcement was made and I am pleased to say that after the then Foreign Minister (H.E. Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar) heard my reasons he considered them favourably after which he conveyed the request to Mr. President who graciously approved it.”