The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority, NCAA, has commenced a three-day technical mission with the United Nations to transition Nigerian airports from harmful firefighting foams to safer, fluorine-free alternatives.
The ICAO/UNEP FIRE Project mission, which runs from September 7–9, 2026, is holding at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, and the Port Harcourt International Airport, Omagwa.
It is being hosted by the NCAA in collaboration with the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria, FAAN, and other stakeholders.
The FIRE Project — Fortifying Infrastructure for Responsible Extinguishment — 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.
It targets the elimination of firefighting foams containing per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, PFAS, commonly called “forever chemicals” due to their persistence in the environment and potential health risks.
The project covers five African countries — Egypt, Ethiopia, Kenya, Nigeria and South Africa — and runs from 2025 to 2030. It is valued at about $82.5 million, comprising a $10 million GEF grant and $72.5 million in co-financing.
At the programme level, the initiative aims to support the environmentally sound removal of about 4,500 tonnes of PFAS-contaminated material from firefighting vehicles and systems, and the safe disposal of 130 tonnes of PFAS-based foam concentrate.
During the mission in Nigeria, ICAO/UNEP experts will engage NCAA, FAAN, environmental authorities and airport rescue and firefighting personnel to assess existing arrangements for the procurement, storage, use and disposal of firefighting foams.
They will also examine aircraft rescue and firefighting infrastructure, identify environmental and occupational risks linked to PFAS, and determine technical, regulatory and capacity-building needs for transition.
Key areas include the suitability of fluorine-free foams for aircraft rescue operations, compatibility with existing vehicles and equipment, decontamination of affected systems, safe disposal of current stocks, personnel training, and development of a regulatory framework.
The NCAA said environmental sustainability must not compromise aviation safety.
Officials stated that the transition would be carefully managed to ensure airports maintain required aircraft rescue and firefighting capabilities throughout the process.
The Authority added that the project provides an opportunity to strengthen regulations for airport rescue and firefighting services while ensuring compliance with national and international safety standards.
At the end of the mission, Nigeria is expected to have a clearer assessment of its PFAS situation, infrastructure needs, and practical measures for a phased transition to fluorine-free alternatives.
Findings are expected to form the basis for a national roadmap for the safe and sustainable phase-out of PFAS-containing foams at Nigerian airports. Lessons from Abuja and Port Harcourt will also guide implementation across other airports.
The NCAA said Nigeria’s participation demonstrates commitment to internationally recognised environmental practices while keeping safety and operational readiness of rescue and firefighting services paramount.
