Image caption: Controller General, Federal Fire Service, Jaji Abdulganiyu
FG plans more fire stations across Nigeria
Khalid ABRAHAM.
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The Controller General of the Federal Fire Service, Abdulganiyu Jaji, has said plans are ongoing to establish more fire stations across the country to enhance response times and improve fire safety.
This move follows public outcries about the service’s slow response during fire outbreaks and the absence of fire stations in densely populated areas, such as Lugbe in Abuja, which relies on the distant Sauka fire station.
Speaking on Friday, Jaji outlined the service’s ongoing and future efforts to address the challenges.
He emphasised the importance of reducing response times and expanding coverage to underserved regions.
“All our efforts this year are aimed at reducing response times and ensuring that every nook and corner of the country has access to fire services. We are moving into more senatorial districts and will continue to do more because we want to be closer to the people,” he said.
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The CG revealed that new fire stations would be established in critical locations, including Abuja city centre.
He said, ‘’ Our target, our focus this year, which is also in line with the Honorable Minister of Interior, is to make sure that all the city centre, Abuja city centre, have fire stations. Looking at Maitama as an example, yes, there is no fire station in that place. We will make sure that we have a fire station there.
“In Gusape, we are constructing a fire station as I speak with you. And by the grace of God, before the middle of this year, we will complete it and the fire alarms will be there. So those are the things we intend to do in 2025 in order to reduce our response time.
“The second one is the senatorial districts. Yes, we presently are the 36 states of the federation. There are no states where the fire service is not present. But we are at the state headquarters. Last year, we moved to the senatorial districts.”
He commended President Bola Tinubu for approving the procurement of additional fire equipment, facilitated by the Minister of Interior.
The CG noted that the service had recruited more personnel to meet increasing demands and ensure readiness in case of emergencies.
“Fire can devastate the economy of a country, and we cannot allow that to happen. This is why we are doing everything possible to strengthen the Federal Fire Service,” he said.
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He also noted that the President had approved the procurement of additional equipment.
Jaji said, “Let me also commend the effort, as I’ve rightly mentioned, the efforts of Mr. President, who has graciously approved the procurement of more fire equipment, which we were able to get through the efforts of the Minister.”
Recall that few years ago a fire service station was approved for Ogbomoso in Oyo state, which however has not taken off.
