FAAN Restores Power Supply at MMIA, 21 Others

The Federal Airport Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) has restored the electricity power supply to all terminal parts of Murtala Muhanmed International Airport (MMIA), Lagos, while spreading its safety net through the maintenance of standby generators in 22 airports across the country aimed at ensuring uninterrupted power supply, Nigeria ComunicationsWeek has learnt. Incoming flights into the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, were on penultimate Tuesday night diverted to other airports, while outbound flights were cancelled following a power surge which damaged the air field lighting, and the taxi and runway lights. A similar situation occurred at the Muritala Mohammed International Airport, Lagos during the weekend when there was an 8-hour power outage. Mr Akin Olukunle, general manager, Public Affairs of FAAN, attributed the problem to a technical fault and has been rectified by its team of engineers, leading to the restoration of power supply to all parts of the terminal, with the continuation of all airport operations. According to him, “Though some of the airport users experienced some inconveniences, it was never at the level of suffocation as reported by some media. “It is also worthy of note that FAAN has functional standby generators at all our 22 airports to ensure uninterrupted power supply. “The issue of passengers or airport users experiencing power outage for the next four months, as reported in some quarters, at the MMIA or any of our airports does not arise in any way.” Olukunle noted that, “The Federal Government, the Ministry of Aviation and FAAN cannot afford to leave any of the airports without power supply as they have continued to give priority to safety and security at all airports in accordance with ICAO standards and practices.” Meanwhile, the remodelling of 11 out of 22 airports managed by FAAN is ongoing. The Federal Government approved project entails the expansion, construction of new terminals and overhaul of facilities at the airports. Mrs. Stella Adaeze Oduah, the Aviation Minister had assured the country that the Federal Government would remodel the airports in consonance with the transformation agenda of President Goodluck Jonathan.