Firemen Crucial To National Security –Tunji-Ojo

Minister of interior, Dr Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, has asserted that firemen are very critical to Nigeria’s security.

In fact, the minister declared that national security is incomplete without the involvement of fire fighters because fire is the most common daily hazard anywhere in the world.

Tunji -Ojo, who said as first responders to all emergency incidents, fire service personnel are cognizant of the various types of threats facing the country.

He said the training and experience they possess by the nature of their profession make them an excellent analytical element and resource.

The minister spoke yesterday in Abuja when he commissioned six state-of-the-art firefighting trucks and 15 Ford Rapid Response vehicles at the service headquarters in the nation’s capital.

In setting a new agenda for the Service, the minister asked the FFS to develop an implementable fire framework and to forecast perceived danger.

He said, “There is a direct correlation between sophistication, industrialisation and fire service. Fire service is directly related to development in any nation.

“Nigeria cannot continue to be nonchalant to the issues of fire.  FFS needs to rise up to her responsibility by forecasting dangers. We have to migrate from the era of reactive activities to being proactive which will lead us to preventive measures that can save us millions of Naira.

“Your strength would be appreciated if there’s a decline in fire outbreaks rather than the number of fires you fought within a given period. Very soon, the bill on fire and rescue service will be passed , which will play a major role in our national development. For any country to attain its potential, fire service cannot be relegated.”

The minister added that the FFS will be expected to collect information across Nigeria and also take care of the health and safety of its personnel.

Earlier, the controller-general of FFS, Engr Jaji Abdulganiyu, said the commissioning of the 21 firefighting machines and subsequent deployment would position the Service for better service delivery, while sending a signal to the general public about President Ahmed Bola Tinubu-led administration’s commitment to protect life and property.

The FFS boss, who explained how the service reduced fatalities associated with fire incidents, said  they saved property worth about N30 billion in six months, even as he praised Nigerians and sister security agencies for their cooperation.

He said, “The Firefighting trucks and Rapid Response Vehicles will provide firemen ample opportunities for time-saving, professional and efficient firefighting and rescue operations across the country.”