Nigeria lost over ₦67.1 billion in assets and over 100 lives to fire incidents in 2024, according to Federal Fire Service (FFS) Controller General Engr. Abdulganiyu Olola Jaji. Speaking on Friday in Abuja, Jaji disclosed that the Service saved property worth ₦1.94 trillion during the same period, responding to emergencies that saved 30,890 lives. He expressed condolences to the families affected by these tragedies and highlighted the alarming rise in gas and petrol tanker explosions across the country.
Jaji emphasized the urgency of passing the Fire Service Bill currently before the National Assembly, describing the Fire Service Act of 1963 as outdated and insufficient to tackle modern safety challenges. He called for improved safety awareness and enforcement of fire safety protocols to reduce incidents nationwide. “We will continue to advance our goals through robust strategies, operational efficiency, and proactive measures,” Jaji said.
To enhance fire response in Abuja, the FFS plans to establish firefighting stations in key districts, including Maitama, Asokoro, Guzape, and Wuse. Jaji also apologized for gaps in the Service's response to recent fire outbreaks in the Federal Capital Territory, assuring residents that steps are being taken to address these shortcomings.
The FFS is expanding its presence to Senatorial zones in Edo, Kebbi, Bayelsa, Kaduna, and Kwara states, with plans to cover more zones in 2025. Jaji commended President Bola Tinubu and Interior Minister Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo for their unwavering support, noting that new technologies such as the National Fire Detection and Alarm System (NAFDAS) and the N-Alert app are being deployed to improve fire response times and enhance public safety.
