WORRIED by incessant fire outbreaks and the resultant negative effects on the economy, the Federal Government has directed the Federal Fire Service to carry out measures that would prevent the trend across the country.
Minister of Interior, Mr Rauf Aregbesola, gave the directive at the weekend during the inauguration of 2,200 regular fire service cadet officers, 150 drivers and six new firefighting trucks acquired to boost the operations of the service.
He instructed the service to ensure effective service delivery to Nigerians through the deployment and utilization of the huge firefighting assets for optimal impact wherever they might be needed and further prevent incessant fire outbreak and the resultant negative effects on the economy.
He noted that the rate at which fire outbreaks occur in recent times, leading to loss of lives, jobs and valuables is worrisome, adding that there is urgent need to put an end to ‘this ugly incident.’
Aregbesola disclosed that the commitment of the Muhammadu Buhari administration was one of the reasons the Federal Fire Service in the last four years witnessed unprecedented transformation with the procurement of 92 modern firefighting trucks, establishment of six new zonal commands in addition to the existing six commands as well as the establishment of six training schools across the country.
He stated further that the Federal Government also carried out the upgrading and renovation of firefighting infrastructure and facilities across its formations in the country.
“It also procured 15 more water tankers with firefighting capability and established two mobile workshops in keeping with its commitment to ensuring the safety of life and property of Nigerians with the view to improving Foreign Direct Investment,” the minister said.
Director, Press and Public Relations, Mr Mohammed Manga, in a statement, said the minister also directed the service to ensure effective strengthening of the fire preventive functions and operational capabilities through constant capacity building.
Aregbesola, who said that “firefighting is not an easy task,” congratulated the cadets and urged them to brace up for the enormous challenges ahead.
The minister stated further that fire outbreaks due to rising infrastructure stock, new materials and technologies in the building environment, as well as activities of arsonists and terrorists are some of the threats the service contends with in recent times.
He emphasised that officers and men of the service must exhibit high degree of discipline, dedication and professionalism in the face of these challenges.
Earlier in his remarks, the Controller General, Federal Fire Service, Dr Liman Ibrahim, said that President Buhari approved the recruitment of the graduating personnel because of the need to reposition the service.
He assured that the service would continue to do everything humanly possible to justify the huge investment of the Federal Government towards strengthening it, in its mandate of quick response to emergencies.
Liman stated further that with the inauguration of the regular fire service cadet officers, drivers and new firefighting trucks the service has been providedthe opportunity of ensuring effective service delivery to the people and improve the response time.
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