Nigeria lost over 67.1 billion naira assets and over 100 human lives to fire incidents across the country in 2024 alone, the Controller General of the Federal Fire Service, FFS, Engr Abdulganiyu Olola Jaji, said on Friday.
He said about 1.9 trillion naira worth of assets and infrastructures were saved from fire incidents.
Besides, Jaji lamented the increasing incidents of gas and petrol tankers explosions, as well as filling stations across Nigeria.
He called for safety awareness and speedy passage of the Fire Service Bill currently before the National Assembly to address the challenges.
He said the Fire Service Act 1963 was too obsolete to address safety and regulatory issues needed to enforce fire and safety protocols to reduce such incidents drastically.
Jaji who briefed reporters at the headquarters of the FFS in Abuja said: “In the year 2024, Federal Fire Service effectively saved property worth N1.94 trillion and recorded an estimated property loss of N67.1 Billion.
“In the same year, Federal Fire Service responded to fire and other emergencies during which 30,890 lives were saved while over 100 lives were lost. As fellow Nigerians, we share in this grief and commiserate with the bereaved families and their loved ones.
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Jaji said the FFS would take proactive measures to reduce fire incidents and responses in the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Abuja with the establishment of fire fighting stations in the Central District Areas of Maitama, Asokoro, Guzape, Wuse, among others.
He apologised to residents of the FCT for the fire outbreaks that affected some areas and responses to them, saying some gaps in fire fighting are being addressed at the moment.
Jaji also said that the Service is currently expanding its presence and infrastructures to Senatorial zones in the country after establishing its presence in the 36 states of the Federation.
He said the Service has expanded its presence and infrastructures to Senatorial zones in Edo, Kebbi, Bayelsa, Kaduna, and Kwara states, adding that more zones would be covered this year.
He said: “This year, we will continue to advance our goals through robust strategies, operational efficiency and proactive moves. we will also focus on raising awareness, improving response time using cutting edge technologies such as the National Fire Detection and Alarm System (NAFDAS), Fire Alarm App known as N-Alert.”
Jaji commended President Bola Tinubu and the Minister of Interior Dr Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo for their support for the service, saying that their commitment to the safety of lives and property of the Nation remains unimpeachable.