FG to include private firms in fire operations

Minister of Interior, Dr Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, has said that the federal government is considering expanding the scope of operations in the National Fire Academy in Sheda, FCT, to include private fire operators to boost the sector.

The minister made this known while on an inspection tour of the academy.

He said the facility has the capacity to play key roles in training safety officers who will be “on-ground” responders for the private sector.

“A lot has been done, but there is still a lot more to be done. With what I have seen here, I can guarantee you that we will work very hard to see that this facility will not only be useful in training officers of the fire service but also for the private sector.

“We must make fire safety a personal affair. Every institution, commercial and social recreation centre should have certified fire and safety personnel, trained by this facility.”

In a communique by his Special Assistant on Media, Tunji-Ojo said explained that the academy could serve various private sector players, saying, “All public and commercial buildings and infrastructure such as banks, hotels, malls, restaurants, or even government buildings should have first responders that can administer basic fire fighting remedy while waiting for the arrival of a full operation squad of the country’s Fire Service.”

Dr Olubunmi explained that the tour was to fortify him with the situation of things at the facility, and also see how fire service processes could be innovated to serve a broader spectrum in line with the #RenewedHope agenda of President Bola Tinubu.

“Today, we have over 3 million private guards certified by the NSCDC. We can have something similar for the fire service. We need private fire service men to enhance our service and response time.

“The President’s ‘#RenewedHope agenda has charged us to be innovative if we must change the narrative,” he said.

“As a matter of fact, this is another innovative way to generate revenue because we expect that anyone looking to become a safety or security guard should get trained and certified by this academy,” he adds.

Among the minister’s inspection team were the Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Dr Oluwatoyin Akinlade and Controller General of the Federal Fire Service, Jaji Abdulganiyu as the tour guide.