Recently, there was an establishment of 13 metropolitan Fire Stations in some cities in Nigeria by the federal government. These fire stations are additional to the Federal Fire Service (FFS) in each state of the country, including the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). The newly launched Metropolitan Fire Station FCT Command situated in Kubwa, Abuja, was commissioned by the Minister of Interior, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola. During the commissioning, he stated that the 13 Zonal fire station Headquarters have strategic locations in the suburban areas for swift fire and rescue interventions.
Ogbeni Aregbesola added that the priority of the President Muhammadu Buhari-led administration is the protection of the lives and property of Nigerians which is the reason why the ministry of interior has gotten the unwavering attention of the president. He added that the outgoing administration immensely transformed the Federal Fire Service from a destitute institution to a renowned disaster and emergency management agency. In 2015, the FFS was only represented in Lagos and Abuja with two working fire engines until the intervention of the current government.
FFS commissioned the country’s first aerial firefighting equipment.
Through interventions by the outgoing administration, the FFS now has full representation in all 36 states of the federation with disaster management and state-of-the-art firefighting infrastructure. The federal government has enabled provision of 106 modern firefighting trucks. In 2021, there was also provision of an infrastructure upgrade which comprised of 44 firefighting engines, 15 rapid intervention fire engines, 15 water tankers and 20 basic life support ambulances. The same year welcomed commissioning of aerial firefighting equipment, specifically designed for Lagos skyscrapers — Nigeria’s first of its kind.
Also, during this regime, many firefighting officers have been sent overseas to the United Kingdom, Belarus, Dubai and other countries for train-the-trainer and other required courses. Currently, some of these officers are professional trainers who now train other officers on modern management of firefighting disaster and emergency protocols. Several local trainings were also conducted across cadres, squads and ranks in the National Fire Academy and other eligible training institutes in the country. These trainings help to build human capacity.
Achievements by the service is said to be worth celebrating.
Training conducted for officers is needed for optimum service delivery, enhancement of professionalism, and maintenance of required standards in operational and administrative disciplines. Minister Aregbesola noted that the attention and resources provided by the current administration to improve the Federal Fire Service since its attainment of office in 2015 is more than what has been devoted to it since in was founded in 1901. He described the unveiled building as the soul and heart of the National Fire Academy.
According to the minister, the structure, although pre-engineered and pre-fabricated, implemented the recommendation of the International Organization for Standardization (IOS), meeting their requirement. The customized training facility is designed to address specific needs of firefighters while equipping them with essential knowledge and skills to protect lives and property. These achievements by the Federal Fire Service (FFS), including the 13 new zonal headquarters, under the administration of President Muhammadu Buhari is believed to be a feat worth celebration.
Metropolitan Fire Station to reduce risks of fire incidents.
Controller-General of the Federal Fire Service, Engr. Jaji Abdulganiyu, in his comments, enthusiastically affirmed that Metropolitan Fire Station in Kubwa, Abuja, is a massive asset to the local community. He added that it would assist in reducing the risks of fire-related incidents; serve as a base for fire services in the area; ensure provision of support and help to the local community; serve as a training center for fire personnel; an equip fire personnel with necessary knowledge and skills to safeguard lives and property.
Related Link
Fedfire: Website
