Inside The Blaze: Fire Service Launches Mental Health Training For Abuja Firefighters

The Federal Fire Service (FFS) Command in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) has kicked off a special training programme aimed at enhancing firefighters’ mental health awareness and emotional resilience on the job.

The four-day orientation workshop, which commenced on Monday at the Kubwa Metropolitan Fire Station, is designed to help personnel manage stress, trauma, and psychological strain resulting from their high-risk duties.

Speaking at the opening session, the FCT Controller of the FFS, Mohammed Anas, said the initiative was introduced to underscore the importance of mental wellness in firefighting operations.

According to him, firefighters are frequently exposed to tragic and distressing scenes, which can take a toll on their mental and emotional wellbeing.

Anas noted that the command had observed cases of officers grappling with post-traumatic stress and burnout, prompting the development of the new mental health training to provide coping strategies and psychological support.

He added that the Ministry of Interior, through the FFS, had also rolled out an insurance policy to boost personnel welfare and provide better support for officers in the line of duty.

During the session, Clinical Psychologist Comfort Akomafe urged participants to recognize their emotional triggers and adopt practical techniques to stay composed during emergencies.

She emphasized that maintaining calm and mental clarity in the midst of chaos is crucial for effective response and team coordination.

Similarly, Mental Health Advocate Dr. Emeka Enumah said the training was designed to build emotional resilience among firefighters, who routinely face intense pressure and life-threatening situations.

He added that strengthening their mental capacity would improve both individual wellbeing and overall service delivery.

The programme forms part of the FFS’s broader initiative to promote the welfare, safety, and operational efficiency of its workforce across the country.