The Federal Fire Service has revealed that fire disasters and emergencies claimed more than 100 lives and an estimated property loss of N67.1 billion recorded across the country in 2024.
Controller General of Federal Fire Service, Engr. Abdulganiyu Jaji, made this known on Friday in Abuja while briefing newsmen on activities of the Service in the outgone year.
He, however, disclosed that the agency which is the first responder in times of emergencies had successfully saved property worth N1.94 trillion during which 30,890 lives were saved.
He noted that the Service shared in the grief and commiserated with the bereaved families and their loved ones.
The CG highlighted the recent fire outbreaks that occurred across the country, especially those, in the year 2024 such as; petrol tanker explosions, markets, religious centres, fuel stations, private, public property, and other major emergencies, calling on stakeholders to put necessary measures in place to forestall further occurrence of such fire incidents.
Engr. Jaji particularly implored all operators of fuel stations, petrol tankers, gas refilling stations, gas cylinder consumers, and the general public to follow safety protocols and regulations.
“You may be aware that these devastating occurrences could have been prevented. This is deeply heartbreaking for us as an agency.
“Currently, we are in the harmattan season when humidity is low and the risk of static spark or gas explosion can spread rapidly. Fire is a delicate and dynamic force that requires us to be more cautious and vigilant.
“At this point, I implore all operators of fuel stations, petrol tankers, gas refilling stations, gas cylinders consumers, and the general public to follow safety protocols and regulations.
“In the year 2024, Federal Fire Service effectively saved property worth N1.94 trillion and recorded an estimated property loss of N67.1 Billion. In the same year, Federal Fire Service responded to fire and other emergencies during which 30,890 lives were saved while over 100 lives were lost.
“As fellow Nigerians, we share in this grief and commiserate with the bereaved families and their loved ones,” he stated.
The Federal Fire Service boss lamented the limitations, especially on the enforcement of fire safety code, placed on the agency by the current Fire Service Act of 1963, which he described as outdated.
He appealed to key stakeholders to join hands with the Minister, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, in facilitating the repeal and re-enactment of the current Fire Service Act of 1963, which has become antiquated, saying if this is achieved, it would reposition the Service to enhance effective service delivery.
Jaji, reaffirmed the commitment of FFS in 2025, to focus and remain steadfast on ensuring public safety, and improvement in efforts to save lives, property, and the environment through deployment of technologies and other effective operational strategies.
He also disclosed that the Service has Fire Stations in all the 36 states of the Federation and Federal Capital Territory (FCT), while also moving gradually to Senatorial Districts as part of efforts to take Fire Stations nearer to the people so as to improve response time.
He added that the Service has commenced the process of expansion and establishment of Fire Stations in city centres across the country in addition to the existing Federal Fire Station in each state of the Federation.
He said: “This year, we will continue to advance our goals through robust strategies, operational efficiency, and proactive moves. We will also focus on raising awareness, improving response time using cutting-edge technologies such as the National Fire Detection and Alarm System (NAFDAS), Fire Alarm App known as N-Alert.
“His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces who remains committed to the safety of lives and property of the nation in line with his Renewed Hope Agenda, made significant strides such as graciously approving the procurement of state-of-the-art firefighting appliances, Remodeling of the National Fire Academy Sheda.
“Today, I re-affirm my commitment, that the Federal Fire Service will not falter in our mandate. We will ensure that public trust and investments are met with commendable results.
“Our success stories for the year 2024 would not be complete without giving accolades to the Honourable Minister of Interior, (Dr) Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, our game changer, chief strategist, the leader, whose result-oriented policies had led to positive and commendable results that are in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu,” he stated.
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