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

Edo NLC Crisis: Caretaker Committee Drags Rival Exco, Govt To Court

Published

11 hours ago

May 6, 2026

Editor

The division in the Edo State Council of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), took a new dimension on Wednesday as Prof. Monday Monday Lewis Igbafen-led caretaker committee approached the National Industrial Court of Nigeria, Benin Judicial Division, seeking to affirm its authority and restrain a rival executive from parading itself as the council’s leadership.

Joined in the suit are the Edo State Government, the Commissioner for Labour and Productivity, and the Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice.

In a suit marked: NICN/BEN/12/2026, and filed before the court in Benin, the claimant, Igbafen, acting for himself and on behalf of the NLC Caretaker Committee in Edo State, is challenging the continued occupation of the union’s secretariat and control of its assets by members of the Bernard Egwakhide-led factional State Executive Council.

The claimants are asking the court to declare that the caretaker committee (Igbafen-led faction), constituted on August 11, 2025, by the NLC national leadership, remains the only lawful authority to administer the affairs of the Edo State Council pending fresh elections.

They further seek a declaration that the continued occupation of the NLC secretariat located at No. 1 Teboga Road, Benin City, as well as the retention of union assets, financial records, and official instruments by the defendants, is illegal and void.

The suit also prays for an order of perpetual injunction restraining the defendants from parading themselves as officials of the NLC Edo Council or interfering with the functions of the caretaker committee.

In addition, the claimants are seeking a mandatory order compelling the defendants to immediately hand over the secretariat, vehicles, financial documents, cheque books, and all other properties belonging to the union.

The caretaker committee further urged the court to restrain the state government and its officials from interfering in the internal affairs of the union, alleging undue support for the dissolved executive.

The claimants further demand N50 million as general and exemplary damages against the defendants for alleged unlawful usurpation of office and acts prejudicial to the administration of the council.

According to court documents made available to our correspondent, the crisis followed the dissolution of the Edo State Council by the NLC National Executive Council on February 27, 2025, over allegations of misconduct, anti-union activities, and constitutional violations.

However, the matter has yet to be assigned a hearing date.

News

Transfer: Premier League Clubs Scramble For Dele-Bashiru

Published

16 hours ago

May 6, 2026

Editor

Lazio midfielder, Fisayo Dele-Bashiru is a subject of interest from three Premier League clubs, according to Sky Sports.

Lazio reportedly rejected offers from Nottingham Forest and Bournemouth for the Nigeria international in January.

La Biancolesti are bracing for more interest in Dele-Bashiru ahead of the summer transfer window, according to Sky Sports.

The 24-year-old has two years left on his contract with the Serie A club.

The attacking midfielder joined the Rome-based club from Turkish Super Lig outfit Hatayspor in 2024.

He has been a regular feature for Lazio this season.

News

Xenophobic Attacks: Nigerian Students To Picket MTN, MultiChoice, Other Businesses

Published

17 hours ago

May 6, 2026

Editor

The leadership of the National Association of Nigerian Students, NANS South-West Zone D, has announced plans to picket South African companies in Nigeria following the ongoing xenophobic attacks in the country.

DAILY POST reports that some Nigerians were recently killed in South Africa over the violent attacks.

A statement issued to newsmen by Comrade Adeyemo Josiah Kayode, Coordinator, NANS South-West, Zone D, said that the association is mobilizing to take decisive and lawful action by organizing peaceful picketing and mass advocacy against South African business interests operating in Nigeria.

“We categorically state that the continued targeting of Nigerians under any guise is unacceptable and must come to an immediate end.

“This will include major corporations such as MTN Group and MultiChoice Group. It is morally indefensible for businesses to thrive in an environment where the lives of Nigerians are protected, while Nigerians are subjected to fear and violence elsewhere.

“This contradiction will no longer be tolerated,” the statement said.