Property worth N1.9 trillion were saved from being destroyed by fire outbreak in 2024, with another estimated at N67.1 billion lost in the same period even as over 100 lives were equally lost in various infernos across the country, the Controller General of the Federal Fire Service (FFS), Engineer Abdulganiyu Jaji disclosed on Friday, 10 January, 2025.
Addressing the media on the achievements of the the service in the last one year, Jaji said: “In the year 2024, the Federal Fire Service successful saved property worth N1.9 trillion and recorded an estimated property loss of N67.1 billion. In the same year, the Federal Fire Service responded to fire and other emergencies during which 30, 890 lives were saved while about 100 lives were lost .
He warned Nigerians on the dangers of not being careful enough around fire, stating that: “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.”
He added that: “At this point, I implore all operators of fuel stations, petrol tankers, gas refilling station, gas cylinders consumers and the general public to follow safety protocols and regulations.
“As we begin year 2025, our focus, remains steadfast on ensuring public safety, and improving our commitment to saving lives, property and the environment.
“The purpose of today’s briefing is to address the fire outbreaks, that occurred across the country recently, especially those, in the year 2024 such as; petrol tanker explosions, markets, religious centers, fuel stations, private, public property and other major emergencies, in order to forestall further occurrence of such fire incidents.”
He disclosed that: “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.”
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.”
Jaji went on to apologize and condole with Nigerians over the fire incidences recorded so far since 2024 stating that effort are being made to build more secure stations to boost emergency response time to boost efficiency and cut down on losses during fire outbreaks.
