Nigeria lost over N67.1 billion assets and over 100 lives to fire incidents across the country in 2024 alone, Controller-General of the Federal Fire Service, FFS, Engr Abdulganiyu Olola Jaji, said Friday.
He said about N1.9 trillion worth of assets and infrastructure were saved from fire incidents.
Besides, Jaji lamented the increasing incidents of gas and petrol tankers explosion, as well as filling stations.
He called for safety awareness and speedy passage of the Fire Service Bill currently before the National Assembly to address the challenges.
He said the Fire Service Act 1963 was too obsolete to address safety and regulatory issues needed to enforce fire and safety protocols to reduce such incidents drastically.
Jaji, who briefed journalists at the headquarters of the FFS in Abuja, said: “In 2024, the Federal Fire Service effectively saved property worth N1.94 trillion and recorded an estimated property loss of N67.1 billion.
“In the same year, it 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.”
Jaji said FFS would take proactive measures to reduce fire incidents and response in the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, with the establishment of fire fighting stations in the Central District Areas of Maitama, Asokoro, Guzape, Wuse, among others.
He apologised to residents of the FCT for the fire outbreaks that affected some areas and the response to them, saying some gaps in fire fighting are being addressed at the moment.
Jaji also noted that the Service is currently expanding its presence and infrastructure to senatorial zones after establishing its presence in the 36 states.
He said the service has expanded its presence and infrastructure to senatorial zones in Edo, Kebbi, Bayelsa, Kaduna and Kwara States, adding that more zones would be covered this year.
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.”
Jaji commended President Bola Tinubu and the Minister of Interior, Dr Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo for their support for the service, saying their commitment to the safety of lives and property remains unimpeachable.
