Fire Service Seeks Help Over Aging Fleet, Manpower Shortage

The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Fire Service Controller, Engr. Adebayo Amiola Zacchaeus, has disclosed that the service is grappling with an aging fleet of firefighting trucks, a critical manpower shortage, and soaring operational costs.

Zacchaeus, who made this known on Tuesday, during a press briefing marking the Service’s 23rd anniversary, appealed to the FCT Administration for urgent intervention, warning that the rapid expansion of the capital city has far outpaced the growth of its emergency response capabilities.

“As we celebrate, we must speak frankly about the challenges confronting us. 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,” he said.

While emphasising that the equipment crisis is a critical lack of personnel, the Controller highlighted that numerous new districts have emerged without corresponding fire stations, leaving residents vulnerable.

“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.

“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.

“It is also important to note that the Fire Service all over the world comprises men and women of diverse professional backgrounds, and the FCT Fire Service is no exception,” he said.

He described the modern fire service as “a hub of technical, administrative, and strategic expertise,” whose collective knowledge can transform the institution.

With the dry season approaching, the Controller urged residents to exercise maximum caution, promising an intensified fire prevention campaign.

He also commended the FCT minister, Nyesom Wike, for infrastructural projects that will improve response times.

“The cost of running the operations of the FCT Fire Service is becoming increasingly high. The price of Automotive Gas Oil (Diesel) alone runs into millions of naira monthly, aside from the substantial expenses involved in maintaining our aging fleet and facilities,” he said.