…By Dorcas Funmi for TDPel Media.
FAAN Redeploys Regional Airport Manager Following Runway Lighting Theft
In response to the recent theft of runway approach lighting at the Murtala Mohammad Airport in Lagos, the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) has taken action by reportedly redeploying Mr. Felix Akinbinu, the Regional Airport Manager for South West Airports and Manager of Murtala Mohammed International Airport.
This decision was communicated through a memo signed by Mr. Kabir Mohammed, the Managing Director of FAAN.
The memo states that Akinbinu will now be reassigned to the Airfield Services Department and is required to hand over his duties to Mr. Sunday Ayodele, the former General Manager of Airfield Services, on or before July 14, 2023.
Theft of Runway Lighting at Murtala Mohammad Airport Raises Concerns
The stolen lighting system on the domestic runway 18 Runway/36Left at the Murtala Muhammed Airport, which had been reinstalled just nine months ago, has sparked significant concerns.
This incident occurred during a three-month closure of the runway, providing criminals with an opportunity to commit this high-profile crime at Nigeria’s primary airport.
Sources suggest that the theft may have involved collaboration between certain FAAN workers and external individuals who had access to the runway site.
Ministry of Aviation Takes Action Against FAAN Heads of Departments
Upon inspecting the damaged site, Dr. Emmanuel Meribole, the permanent secretary of the Ministry of Aviation, issued directives to suspend some heads of departments at FAAN.
This move aims to hold individuals accountable and aid in the investigation to identify those responsible for the theft of this crucial safety equipment.
Currently, efforts are underway to determine the culprits behind this significant incident.