The Minister of Interior, Dr Olubunmi Tunji–Ojo, on Wednesday reiterated the need for the Federal Fire Service (FFS) to undergo a transformative rebranding and expansion of its responsibilities.
He said this at the Commissioning of Firefighting Trucks and Ford Rapid Response Vehicles at the Federal Fire Service headquarters, Garki, Abuja.
Tunji-Ojo said once signed by the President Bola Tinubu, a proposed fire and rescue service bill will play a key role in Nigeria’s national development.
The proposed rebranding of the Fire Service as the Federal Fire and Rescue Service seeks a shift in focus towards comprehensive risk assessment and a commitment to safeguarding lives and property.
“The Federal Fire Service, very soon when the bill on fire and rescue service is assented, we will play a major role in our national development. For any country to attain its potential, the position of fire service cannot be taken for granted. I say this to the FFS, you are a sleeping giant. The time to wake up to your responsibility is now,” he said.
The minister added, “Nigeria is one of the world’s biggest economies. This means that for us as a people, we cannot continue to neglect the issue of fire service. My personal opinion, as well as my position as a minister of the interior, is that the fire service should be and will be a major employer in Nigeria.
“Beyond just considering our barriers, we need to realize that the ideas we possess transcend any obstacles we might encounter during our development. I said this when I visited the Fire Academy, it is time for the fire service to rise up to a higher responsibility.
“Your responsibility isn’t just about combating fire. Your duty includes forecasting danger, and we need to transition from an era of corrective activities to an era of a proactive approach, leading to preventive measures that can save us billions of lives.
“As your minister, I don’t want to just value the number of buildings saved from fire. Rather, I want to see the effectiveness of your preventive measures. Your responsibilities go beyond firefighting; they encompass rescue management. You are supposed to be, and must be, the first respondent during emergencies. Your responsibilities extend beyond fire management to protecting lives, and properties, and rescuing people during emergencies such as accidents, road traffic collisions, and even natural disasters. These remain part of your duty,” he said.
Tunji-Ojo added that the agency is expected to start collecting information, assessing risks, and protecting the health and safety of workers in their line of duties.
