By Oso Abidemi
Following public outcry and loss of property worth billions razed by inferno in Abuja and Nigeria at large, the Federal Fire Service (FFS), says it will establish additional fire stations across the country to improve emergency response and expand coverage to underserved areas.
Controller General of the Service, Abdulganiyu Jaji, disclosed this on Friday, noting that the move followed public complaints about slow response times and the absence of stations in densely populated areas such as Lugbe, Abuja.
“All our efforts this year are aimed at reducing response times and ensuring that every part of the country has access to fire services,” Jaji said. “We are moving into more senatorial districts and will continue to do more because we want to be closer to the people.”
He revealed that new stations are already under construction in locations including Gusape and the Abuja city centre, with completion expected by mid-2025.
The plan, he added, aligns with the directive of the Minister of Interior to strengthen fire safety nationwide.
Jaji also commended President Bola Tinubu for approving the procurement of new firefighting equipment and the recruitment of more personnel to meet increasing demands.
“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.
