The Authority says System malfunction caused smoke scare at the facility on Sunday morning
The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) has issued a clarification regarding the incident at Terminal 2 of the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, stating that contrary to earlier reports, there was no fire at the facility.
In a press statement released on Sunday, August 2, signed by Henry Agbebire, Director, Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, FAAN provided an update on the situation, explaining that the smoke which triggered alarm among passengers and staff was not the result of flames, but rather the discharge of the terminal’s built-in FM-200 fire suppression system.
“Preliminary findings indicate that there was no fire at the terminal. The smoke observed within the affected area resulted from the discharge of the terminal’s FM-200 fire suppression system,” the statement read.
The authority confirmed that the reason for the system’s unexpected activation is currently being investigated.
It said engineers and safety experts are now working to determine whether a sensor fault, a technical glitch, or another anomaly prompted the suppression mechanism to deploy.
Fortunately, FAAN said normal operations have since resumed at Terminal 2, with flights and passenger movement returning to routine schedules.
Earlier, FAAN had reported that there was a fire incident at the Terminal 2 of MMIA, disclosing that its Aerodrome Rescue and Firefighting Service (ARFFS) was responding to the incident and working diligently to contain the situation.
The agency noted that no injuries or casualties were recorded at any point during the incident.
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FAAN expressed gratitude to all stakeholders for their patience.
“FAAN appreciates the understanding and cooperation of passengers, airlines, airport users and all stakeholders, and reiterates its commitment to the safety and security of all airport operations,” Agbebire stated.
Passengers have been assured that while investigations continue, the terminal remains safe and fully operational. It said further updates will be issued as forensic examinations of the suppression system’s activation mechanism proceed.
The incident comes about five months after a fire outbreak at terminal 1 of the Murtala Muhammed International Airport on February 23.
Victor Ezeja is a Nigerian journalist skilled in producing insightful news analyses, feature stories, and interviews that simplify complex issues and drive informed public discourse. His work combines rigorous research, balanced reporting, and compelling storytelling to highlight developments shaping industries and society. Victor, who holds a Master's Degree in Mass Communication, specializes in energy, aviation, business, and economic reporting. He can be reached via @VICTOREZEJA on X