The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), in collaboration with the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) and other relevant stakeholders, is hosting a technical mission under the ICAO/UNEP Fortifying Infrastructure for Responsible Extinguishment (FIRE) Project from 7–9 September 2026.
The mission, which covers Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, and Port Harcourt International Airport, Omagwa, forms part of an international initiative aimed at supporting the aviation sector’s transition from conventional fluorinated firefighting foams containing harmful per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) to safer and more environmentally sustainable fluorine-free firefighting alternatives.
The FIRE Project is implemented by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) and executed by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), with funding from the Global Environment Facility (GEF).
PFAS are a group of highly persistent chemicals commonly referred to as “forever chemicals” because they do not readily break down in the environment. Certain PFAS historically used in firefighting foams have been subjected to international controls because of concerns over their potential impact on human health and the environment.
The FIRE Project covers five African countries — Egypt, Ethiopia, Kenya, Nigeria and South Africa — and is designed to support participating States in eliminating uncontrolled releases of PFAS associated with firefighting activities at major airports.
The project, which runs from 2025 to 2030, has an overall value of approximately US$82.5 million, comprising a US$10 million GEF grant and approximately US$72.5 million in co-financing from participating partners.
At the broader programme level, the initiative is expected to support the environmentally sound management and removal of approximately 4,500 tonnes of PFAS-contaminated material from firefighting vehicles and associated systems, as well as the safe disposal of approximately 130 tonnes of PFAS-based firefighting foam concentrate.
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Mission to Nigeria
During the three-day mission, ICAO/UNEP experts will engage with the NCAA, FAAN, relevant environmental authorities, airport rescue and firefighting personnel and other key stakeholders to assess Nigeria’s existing arrangements for the procurement, storage, use, handling and disposal of firefighting foams.
The mission will also examine existing aircraft rescue and firefighting infrastructure and equipment, identify potential environmental and occupational risks associated with PFAS, and determine the technical, regulatory and capacity-building requirements necessary to support Nigeria’s transition to fluorine-free alternatives.
Particular attention will be given to the suitability of fluorine-free firefighting foams for aircraft rescue and firefighting operations; compatibility with existing firefighting vehicles, tanks, pumps and foam-delivery systems; decontamination or replacement of affected equipment; environmentally sound disposal of existing foam stocks and contaminated materials; personnel training; and the development of an appropriate regulatory and implementation framework.
Safety Remains Paramount
A fundamental principle guiding the transition is that environmental sustainability must not come at the expense of aviation safety.
Accordingly, the transition to fluorine-free firefighting foam will be carefully managed to ensure that airports continue to maintain the required level of aircraft rescue and firefighting capability throughout the process.
For the NCAA, the FIRE Project provides an important opportunity to strengthen the regulatory framework for airport rescue and firefighting services while ensuring that aerodrome operators continue to comply with applicable national and international safety requirements.
The initiative also supports Nigeria’s broader commitment to environmental sustainability, responsible chemical management, occupational safety and the modernisation of critical airport infrastructure.
Towards a National Transition Roadmap
At the conclusion of the mission, Nigeria is expected to have a clearer assessment of its current PFAS and firefighting-foam situation, including infrastructure and equipment requirements, regulatory considerations, training and capacity-building needs, environmental management requirements and the practical measures necessary for a phased transition to fluorine-free alternatives.
The findings of the mission are expected to provide an important foundation for the development of a structured national roadmap for the safe and sustainable transition from PFAS-containing firefighting foams to fluorine-free alternatives at Nigerian airports.
The experience gained from the participating airports will also provide valuable lessons that could support the progressive implementation of safer and more environmentally responsible firefighting practices across Nigeria’s wider airport system.
Nigeria’s participation in the ICAO/UNEP FIRE Project therefore represents an important convergence of aviation safety, environmental sustainability, occupational health and responsible infrastructure development.
Through the initiative, Nigeria is demonstrating its commitment to adopting internationally recognised environmental practices while ensuring that the safety, effectiveness and operational readiness of aircraft rescue and firefighting services remain paramount.
