As Nigeria joins Muslims around the world to celebrate this year’s Eid-el-Fitr marking the end of the Ramadan, the controller-general of the Federal Fire Service (FFS), Engr. Abdulganiyu O. Jaji, has announced that the service is on high alert to address potential emergencies nationwide during the festive period.
In a statement, Engr. Jaji highlighted the pressing need for the installation of onboard cameras in tankers and other articulated vehicles transporting flammable materials. This proactive measure, according to him, is part of the FFS’s efforts to ensure public safety and address emergencies during the Eid celebrations.
Jaji urged Nigerians to exercise caution, particularly due to the increase in cooking, the lighting of fireworks and the general hustle and bustle associated with festivities. He said the aim was to prevent accidents and ensure both public and infrastructure safety, especially during the high-traffic period of Eid.
He called for relevant authorities and stakeholders to implement safety features to reduce risks and improve road and facility safety.
While assuring the public that the Fire Service is fully prepared to respond to any emergencies, Jaji reminded everyone that public safety is a shared responsibility.
“We are on high alert to quickly address any emergency situation that may arise during the Eid celebrations,” said Jaji, “However, we urge the public to take the necessary precautions during this period.”
In his Eid message, Engr. Jaji congratulated the Muslim Ummah on successfully completing their Ramadan fast and emphasised the importance of these safety measures in preventing accidents, particularly those involving fuel tankers, which pose significant risks during the festive period’s travel.
The FFS boss urged stakeholders to adopt safety standards to protect both human lives and critical infrastructure.
Engr. Jaji also revealed that all FFS commands and zones have been placed on high alert to ensure a swift response to any emergencies during the Sallah celebrations. He encouraged citizens to familiarize themselves with local fire service contacts for quick action in case of fire emergencies.
Jaji also advised Muslims across the country to exercise extra caution while cooking during the celebrations, as the use of gas, stoves, electricity, charcoal, and other flammable materials increases during festive cooking.
He urged citizens not to leave cooking unattended, to keep matches out of children’s reach, and to store gas cylinders outside the kitchen, among other safety tips. These precautions are critical in preventing fires that could disrupt the joy of Eid.
Engr. Jaji shared that he has been working tirelessly to ensure emergency response teams are well-equipped and ready to act swiftly. Fire safety officers will also be stationed at strategic locations across the country to intervene at a moment’s notice.
While celebrating the values of Ramadan—self-discipline, compassion, generosity, and peace—Jaji also stressed the importance of love, forgiveness, and solidarity in building a harmonious society. He encouraged all Nigerians to use the Eid period to pray for the peace, stability, and prosperity of the nation, hoping that the celebrations would foster unity, enhance safety, and bridge divides across religious and ethnic lines.
