AIRPORT EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS AND INTER-AGENCY COORDINATION IN MANAGING AIRCRAFT ACCIDENT RISKS IN NIGERIAN AIRPORTS

This study assessed airport emergency preparedness and inter-agency coordination in managing aircraft accident risks in Nigerian airports. The objectives were to determine the level of emergency preparedness in Nigerian airports and to examine the effectiveness of inter-agency coordination among key stakeholders in managing aircraft accident risks. The population comprised 320 personnel drawn from airport management, aviation fire and rescue services, air traffic control, medical teams, and security agencies across selected Nigerian airports, from which a sample of 175 respondents was purposively selected. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire and analyzed using descriptive statistics and inferential statistics, including Chi-square tests and Pearson correlation analysis. The findings revealed a significant level of emergency preparedness, although gaps remain in routine drills, resource availability, and equipment maintenance. Furthermore, inter-agency coordination was found to significantly influence effective aircraft accident risk management, emphasizing the importance of communication, role clarity, and collaborative exercises among stakeholders. The study concludes that enhancing emergency preparedness and institutionalizing inter-agency collaboration are critical for improving aviation safety outcomes in Nigeria.