Fire Outbreaks Claim 100 Lives, N1.94trn Assets Saved In 2024

Controller-general of the Federal Fire Service (FFS), Engr. Abdulganiyu Jaji, yesterday said over 100 lives were lost to fire incidents in the country last year, with  property losses estimated at N67.1 billion.

Jaji also disclosed that the service saved property valued at N1.94 trillion, with firefighters playing a crucial role in rescuing 30,890 lives from fire and other emergencies during the period.

Giving an overview of the service’s significant achievements in 2024 and its plans for 2025 at a press briefing in Abuja yesterday, Jaji said, “The statistics are both heartbreaking and motivating. While we are proud to have saved so many lives and prevented even greater property damage, the loss of over 100 lives is a grim reminder of the urgency of our work.”

He expressed condolences to families who lost loved ones in fires, floods, building collapses and other disasters, stating that the service plans to build fire stations in Lugbe, Maitama, Guzape in the FCT and other locations across various zones and senatorial districts. This initiative aims to fast-track response times to disasters nationwide, he said.

The controller-general underscored the rising frequency and severity of fire outbreaks, particularly in major public spaces such as petrol stations, markets,  public, private and religious centers. He lamented that many of those incidents, including petrol tanker explosions, could have been avoided with the proper safety protocols in place.

He said, “Currently, we are in the harmattan season when humidity is low and the risk of static spark or gas explosion can spread rapidly. Fire is a delicate and dynamic force that requires us to be more cautious and vigilant.

“At this point, I implore all operators of fuel stations, petrol tankers, gas refilling stations, gas cylinders consumers and the general public to follow safety protocols and regulations,” he said.

He expressed commitment to advance the service’s goals this year through robust strategies, operational efficiency and proactive measures. Additionally, he said the service would focus on enhancing awareness and improving response times by leveraging cutting-edge technologies such as the National Fire Detection and Alarm System (NAFDAS) and the N-Alert Fire Alarm App.

“He said, “In the coming months, we will roll out N-Alert to enhance public awareness and allow citizens to quickly report emergencies. This tool will be instrumental in ensuring that we respond faster to fire incidents and, ultimately, save more lives.

“As we begin the year 2025, our focus remains steadfast on ensuring public safety and improving our commitment to saving lives, property and the environment.”

He reassured the public of the service’s dedication to its mandate, stating, “The Federal Fire Service will not falter in its responsibilities. We will continue to prioritise public trust and ensure that investments in fire safety yield commendable results.”

He called on key stakeholders to collaborate with the Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, in supporting the repeal and re-enactment of the outdated Fire Service Act of 1963. He emphasised that accomplishing this would reposition the service and significantly improve its ability to deliver more effective services.

He said, “His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces who remains committed to the safety of lives and property of the nation in line with his Renewed Hope Agenda, made significant strides such as graciously approving the procurement of state-of- the-art firefighting appliances, Remodeling of the National Fire Academy Sheda.

“Our success stories for the year 2024, would not be complete without giving accolades to the Minister of Interior, (Dr) Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, our game changer, chief strategist, the leader, whose result-oriented policies had led to positive and commendable results that are in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu,” he added.

“To my gallant Officers, I say this: “As firefighters, we owe a great debt to His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR, the Honorable the Minister of Interior Dr Olubunmi Tunji-ojo, and the nation at large. he concluded “.