Analysis of emergency response procedures and air traffic accidents in Nigeria

Abstract

Incessant air transport accidents have been a source of concern to stakeholders and aviation experts in Nigeria, yet the response and process has not been adequately appraised.  This study attempts an evaluation of the emergency response procedures in the aviation industry with particular focus on Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Ikeja which is unarguably the nation’s busiest airport and has had considerable emergencies that had necessitated the deployment of emergency curtailing procedures.  The objectives of the study includes the functionality of the emergency response plan systems; assessment of magnitude and frequency of emergency situations and examination of the magnitude of lives and properties involved in the emergency situations. Emanating from the study is that there is growing rate of air accidents in Nigeria and no adequate emergency response plan nor manpower equipment to combat air accidents in Nigeria, so also, the Chi Square result shows that the Nigerian Aviation Industry is not in compliance with the International recommendation of International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) as regards emergency management. Recommendations such as establishment of a central body to co-ordinate emergency situations in Nigeria and international agreement with neighbouring states amongst others were proffered for an efficient and effective emergency response procedure in the Nigerian aviation sector. Empirical analysis was used to analyse the observed emergency response procedures of the agencies involved in emergency response plan against the expected level.

Key Words:  Emergency Response Plan, Accident, Response Procedures, Functionality