By Ismaila Jimoh, Abuja
Federal Capital Territory Fire Service has appealed for overhauling of its fire fighting equipments and Increase personnel strength to be able to meet up with the growing numbers of emerging new districts in recent years.
The Controller, FCT Fire Service, Engr. Adebayo Amiola stated this during a press conference organised to mark the 23rd years anniversary of the Service in Abuja.
Amiola disclosed that most of the fire fighting trucks currently with the Service are far beyond their optimal life span and the cost of keeping them functional through constant maintenance continues is becoming a huge task.
” One of our major concerns is the overuse and aging of our firefighting trucks. Many of our trucks have been in service far beyond their optimal lifespan, the cost of keeping them functional through constant maintenance continues to rise, and this is no longer economical.
“Equally pressing is the issue of manpower shortage. The Federal Capital Territory has expanded rapidly in recent years, with many new districts emerging. However, our personnel strength and resources have not grown in proportion to this expansion. Every district should ideally have a functional fire station for quick response to emergencies. Unfortunately, several areas still lack
such a presence.
” We therefore appeal that more attention be given to developing fire stations in key districts such as Wuse, Guzape, Mpape, Jikwoyi, Orozo, Karshi, Karsana, Idu, Karimo, and Lugbe, among others. Each of these locations is critical to the safety network of our ever-growing capital city.
The Controller commended the FCT Minister, Barr. Nyesom Wike for his visionary leadership and infrastructural development drive which he said had brought about the opening up of more access roads that will help in improving response time during emergencies.
“The Minister’s effort in opening up more access roads, particularly those around Kaura District, will greatly aid our response time during emergencies. Upon completion, these roads will enhance the accessibility of our Kaura Fire Station, which is nearing completion. Likewise, the stations at Utako, Mbora, and Gaduwa, currently under construction, will significantly improve fire coverage and protection for our residents if speedily completed.
He enjoined FCT residents to be mindful of dry season period and it’s attendant effects by being careful with human activity such as bush burning and careless waste dispossl, saying such conditions make fire outbreaks more frequent and more severe.
He disclosed that the Service received 338 fire incidents calls, saved 69 lives, N14, 466,915,000 worth of properties between January to September 2025.
