President Bola Tinubu Introduces Rapid Firefighting Mini Truck In Presidential Convoy

President Bola Tinubu Introduces Rapid Firefighting Mini Truck in Presidential Convoy, a First in Nigerian History....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

The Controller General of the Federal Fire Service (FFS), Engr. Abdulganiyu Jaji, revealed that President Bola Tinubu has incorporated a rapid firefighting mini truck into his convoy, marking the first instance of such inclusion in the Nigerian Presidency. This announcement was made during a visit by Dr. Oluwatoyin Akinlade, the new Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Interior, to the FFS headquarters in Abuja.

Engr. Jaji further stated that the FFS has procured 15 rapid firefighting mini trucks specifically designed to navigate congested terrains that were previously inaccessible to larger firefighting vehicles.

Highlighting the recent achievements of the service, Engr. Jaji mentioned the commissioning of Nigeria’s first Metropolitan Fire Station in Kubwa, Abuja, and the ongoing construction of 12 additional Metropolitan Fire Stations at different stages of completion.

The CGF highlighted other notable milestones, including the completion and commissioning of the first Fire House props in West Africa, located within the National Fire Academy in Sheda. He also mentioned the procurement of 15 Ford Built Rapid Intervention Vehicles, which have been delivered to the Service and await commissioning and deployment.

Engr. Jaji emphasized that President Bola Tinubu had given his approval to include the Service’s Rapid Intervention Vehicle in his motorcade, marking a historic first for Nigeria.

However, the FFS faces various challenges, including inadequate manpower, attacks on firefighters, housing needs for personnel, firefighting infrastructural gaps, and budgetary constraints.

Dr. Akinlade, in her remarks, called on state governments to take advantage of firefighting being in the Concurrent List and contribute by establishing and equipping more fire stations. She emphasized the importance of better training and motivation for firefighters, acknowledging the hazards they face and the need for their full commitment to their duties.

Dr. Akinlade further stressed the significance of ensuring that Nigerian citizens feel secure against fire incidents and that the FFS is capable of extinguishing fires before lives and properties are lost. She acknowledged the challenges faced in enforcing building codes and the necessity of the mini trucks to access areas where larger vehicles cannot maneuver. However, she noted that 15 mini trucks are insufficient even for the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) alone, calling for additional funding, housing, training, and support to boost the morale of firefighters.

She urged state governments to support the FFS and fulfill their roles, emphasizing that firefighting is a joint responsibility as it falls under the Concurrent List.