An urgent call for the reformation of the Federal Fire Service in Nigeria
In a recent address, the Honorable Minister of Interior Affairs emphasized the critical role played by the Fire Service in a country’s development, stating, “For any nation to reach its full potential, the Fire Service must not be overlooked. I say this to the Federal Fire Service (FFS): you are a dormant giant. The time to awaken to your responsibilities is now.” These remarks came during the commissioning of Fire Fighting Trucks at the FFS Headquarters in Abuja, in October 2023.
The urgency for reform within the Federal Fire Service has become apparent, with the need to align its operations with the Renewed Hope Agenda set by the President of Nigeria. A rebranded Fire and Rescue Service bill is pending before the National Assembly, aiming to introduce innovative fire prevention and fighting systems to significantly reduce fire incidents. The FFS has long been a silent and under- recognized department with enormous potential.
The proposal calls for the establishment of a new Federal Fire and Rescue Service, one that shifts its focus towards a comprehensive risk assessment and a firm commitment to safeguarding lives and property. Embracing global technological advancements is essential to improving emergency response. The devastating effects of fires can be prevented or, at the very least, mitigated, simply through forward-thinking strategies.
The new Fire Service aims to expand its scope from mere fire suppression and prevention to a comprehensive emergency rescue response, actively involving both public and private sectors as part of its social responsibility. The introduction of trained fire marshals in all government establishments will serve as fire safety ambassadors, bridging the gap between organizations and the fire department.
These marshals will later extend their expertise to the wider community, fostering a culture of safety. The FFS will mandate its personnel to be attached to all government agencies, ensuring immediate and expert responses to emergencies, including building collapses, accidents, and other unforeseen crises.
It is imperative to transition from a reactive to a proactive approach, emphasizing preventive measures that can save countless lives. Currently, the FFS boasts of competent and trained personnel who can be further strengthened to meet the demands of their expanded roles. Collaboration with local and international training institutes, especially the National Fire Academy, is crucial to raising the standards to an international level.
To achieve this vision, the FFS must cooperate and establish Renewed Hope policies with other government agencies such as the NSDC, NPF, Military, NEMA, NAMA, and Nigeria Red Cross, among others. Adequate preparation is the need of the hour, and training centers should be more than just facilities for FFS officials. They should be accessible to residential buildings, commercial establishments, markets, and any business with a workforce of more than 10 to 15 employees to employ fire rescue and safety officers, whether permanent or volunteer.
The average firefighter faces conditions that pose acute and toxic risks to their health. Therefore, an insurance policy must be in place to boost morale. Access to quality medical facilities for both victims and responders is paramount.
The government should consider constructing modern office complexes that incorporate staff housing, ensuring firefighters reside closer to their stations, given their round-the-clock responsibilities. Furthermore, it is crucial to inform the Nigerian populace about the statutory functions of the Fire Service and what it can offer. Many Nigerians are unaware of the existence of the Fire Service, let alone its emergency number. Therefore, a concerted effort should be made to raise awareness through TV, print, and social media, as these are powerful tools for dissemination.
In conclusion, a shift towards risk assessment and comprehensive data analysis is essential for the FFS to transition from a corrective approach to a proactive one, ultimately saving lives. The effectiveness of preventive measures should be the primary focus, and the Fire Service should encompass data collection, risk management, and rescue management in addition to firefighting.
As the first responders during emergencies, the FFS’s responsibilities should expand beyond fire management to include protecting lives and property and rescuing people during accidents, road traffic collisions, and natural disasters. To achieve this great task, the FFS management of today need a shakeup, turnaround, and shift from the same set of civil servant, who are just there to execute contracts ignoring whether citizen is benefiting from it or not.
A strategic partnership with foreign manufacturers of firefighting equipment to establish a production facility in Nigeria would contribute to job creation and revenue generation. This endeavor, if realized, could make Nigeria the first African nation to locally produce fire trucks and play a pivotal role in the country’s national development.
