By Kelechi Ogunleye
THE FEDERAL Fire Service (FFS) has said it saved property worth N1.94 trillion and 30,890 lives in fire incidents and other emergencies across the country in year 2024.
The FFS Controller General (CG), Abdulganiyu Jaji, said this during the FFS 2025 media briefing on Friday at the service headquarters in Abuja.
Jaji, however, said that the service recorded an estimated property loss of N67.1 billion while over 100 lives were lost to various fire incidents within the year under review.
He described the fire outbreaks, which led to the losses, as unfortunate, and commiserated with the affected individuals and families.
According to him, some of these devastating fire occurrences could have been prevented if appropriate safety measures were applied.
The C-G said that some of the fires in 2024 included petrol tranker explosions, in markets, religious centres, fuel stations, as well as private and public properties amongst others.
He enjoined petrol/gas stations operators, gas cylinder users and the general public to adhere strictly to all safety protocols and regulations such as the purchase of fire extinguishers.
The FFS boss said that the service was aware of the need to intensify fire safety enlightenment programmes across the country and plans were in the pipeline to do this.
“We will continue to advance our goals through robust strategies, operational efficiency and proactive moves.
“We will also focus on raising awareness, improve response time using cutting edge technologies such as, the National Fire Detection and Alarm System (NAFDAS) fire app, known as; N-Alert.
“Today, I re-affirm my commitment that the FFS will not falter in its mandate to ensure public trust in the safety of lives and property,” Jaji said.
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He further said that the repeal and re-enactment of the currently outdated Fire Service Act of 1963 by the Federal Government would help reposition the service for effective service delivery.
Jaji added that the FFS was also working towards establishing more fire stations in various areas of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) to foster timely response to fire outbreaks in the territory.
The C-G appreciated President Bola Tinubu for approving the procurement of more state-of-the-art firefighting appliances and the remodeling of the National Fire Academy, Sheda.
He acknowledged that the service under the leadership of the Minister of Interior, Dr Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, had received tremendous and commendable support in line with President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda. (NAN)
