Controller-General of Federal Fire Service, (FFS), Abdulganiyu Jaji, has called on fuel tanker drivers to use anti-spill locks to guard against fuel spilling while in transit or during accidents.

He said tanker fuel explosions were preventable if tanker drivers would be more conscious and observe fire safety precautions. He stated this at the opening ceremony of the first batch of the Federal Fire Service Career Progression training for the cadre of Chief Superintendents of Fire, yesterday, in Abuja.

He said: “These incidents are preventable, and all fire tankers and vehicles transporting flammable substances must be equipped with anti-spin locks to prevent spillage during accidents, thereby reducing the risk of explosions.

“As we commence this training, I must address the rising number of fire-related disasters, particularly tanker explosions in the year 2025.” Jaji said the FFS was engaging with the Federal Road Safety Corps, (FRSC) to discuss and employ practical solutions to the challenges to reduce such accidents, saving lives and properties.

“Our discussion emphasised the urgent need for regulatory enforcement, regular vehicle inspection, functional fire institutions in tankers, and strict adherence to safety standards.”

It is also crucial that drivers undergo a regular, thorough evaluation to ensure they meet the highest professional standards.He tasked all officers under training to focus on the task at hand and ensure they pass training ratings because it is a prerequisite for all promotions in the service henceforth.

On recent allegations of non-payment of allowance to the staff under training, Jaji said the service has never held back training allowances since he came on board.