Fire service moves to boost efficiency, safety of lives

*To address understaffing through recruitment

To boost efficiency and ensure the readiness of firemen to tackle fire accidents and reduce casualty, especially during the elections, the Federal Fire Service, (FFS), has embarked on an inspection tour of ongoing projects and other facilities at the National Federal Fire Academy in Sheda, Federal Capital Territory, (FCT).

Permanent Secretary, federal ministry of Interior, Dr Shuaib Belgore, who visited the site yesterday, directed the Controller General, FFS, Abdulganiyu Jaji, to commence necessary arrangements for the completion of work to enable timely commissioning of the projects and to also ensure that the agency becomes more efficient while performing its duties.

Belgore said “the projects will further contribute to the safety of lives and protection of properties of Nigerians and foreigners alike.

While giving a general overview of all inspected projects, he described the various works at the academy as impressive and tasked the FFS to commission the projects in good time to enable Nigerians to reap the benefits of government investment in these projects.

The permanent secretary also stated that under the 8 years administration of President Muhammadu Buhari, the federal fire service has experienced a considerable leap in terms of funding and provision of infrastructural facilities compared to the state of affairs before the advent of this administration.

He noted that the service is presently, grossly understaffed, disclosing that his ministry has written to the presidency for approval to recruit more hands for optimal improvements in safety and rescue operations against impending disaster.

Responding, Jaji explained that aside from the national fire academy in Sheda, Abuja it has an annex in Lagos.

He said Service has six training schools spread across the six geo-political zones of the country in Kankiya – Katsina State, Maiduguri in Borno state, Minna in Niger State, Ummahia in Abia State, Calabar in Cross River state and Abeokuta in Ogun State.

He promised to do the needful towards the total completion of the remaining project and the timely commissioning of the projects as directed by the permanent secretary.

“As you all know, Nigerians will be going to the polls and it is of utmost importance to our democracy and the integrity of the electoral process. This is why; our duty to ensure fire cover for all and sundry, before, during and after the election has become a current imperative.

The recent fire attacks on INEC offices and personnel nationwide have heightened the need for this brainstorming session. It is essential that we come up with solutions to these problems in order to ensure the safety of INEC infrastructure, personnel and the integrity of the electoral process,” he said.

Other projects he inspected include the Multi-Purpose Hall Building, the Staff Clinic, Male and Female Hostels, and the Common Room. These have been completed and waiting for commissioning.