Moving Federal Fire Service to a new level my priority – Garba

Egnr. Joseph Anebi Garba, was appointed as Comptroller General of Nigerian Fire Service about nine months ago. Recently, he spoke to our correspondent, LEKAN OLASEINDE, on the operation of the agency and other related issues

Sir, can you briefly tell us what the federal fire service is all about?
The Federal Fire Service by Act of 1963 is given the mandate to save lives and property through firefighting, rescue operation and to render humanitarian services beyond the scope of ordinary person.
However by 2007, the Federal Executive Council expanded the scope of the Agency to include; policy formulation, capacity building public enlightenment, research and statistics. All these mandates successive heads of the organization had worked tirelessly to achieve in order to ensure the safety of lives and property.

What has been your experience over the years in the service?
Experience evolves and with the number of years I have spent so far in the service, one can say it has been very rewarding because much has been learnt in this unique institution that has to do with the saving of lives, property and the environment. However, you must have the passion of a fire fighter which means you have to be ready to give up your own life in order to save others, going by the fire fighters code. Though, there are several challenges but with the humanitarian side of the whole exercise, one feels fulfilled doing the work. It is a job that gives hope as it teaches you to be contented, living within your means and be blessed by God. This I mean, not where you make money, but serving mankind in their distress and most difficult moment where everything one had worked for in life is destroyed within few seconds as a result of fire disaster. Such victims are to be given hope if loss of lives were not involved and other related emergencies.

Fire fighting is a very hazardous occupation, is your staff given incentives and pay hazard allowances?
The service has made provision for Group Accident and Death Insurance Cover. This insurance cover, is both managed by the Head of Service and the Federal Fire Service and it is a functional insurance cover as well over ten personnel of  the service have benefited from the scheme and just last week cheques of N5m each were issued to three next of kin presented before members of the press. Besides, there are other welfare packages extended to staff of the organisation quarterly.

Do you have enough staff and equipment to carry out the job you are mandated to do?
Currently, the organisation staff strength is about 1, 600 from its depletion of less than 700 personnel both in Lagos and Abuja. We must appreciate government for granting us leave for replacement of staff to bring the staff strength to the current level. However, we look forward to strengthening the number of personnel, to ensure effective enforcement of the code and boost our public Enlightenment drive.
As earlier stated to run and maintain fire stations is very expensive but we must not allow that to become a source of discouragement or hindrance towards ensuring that priority is given to the country’s fire services by the three tiers of government, and to transform the safety sectors of the economy to achievement-oriented organization. Government is doing its best to reposition the service but government alone cannot do everything and that is the reason we are requesting corporate bodies to assist.

Considering that fire fighting is a costly venture that needs a lot of money to make it effective, and considering that one fully equipped fire fighting truck costs over n200,000,000.  How has the response of the federal government been in this regard?
The Federal government response through successive Hon Minister of Interior has been encouraging both in the setting up of committees to restructure the service and in working towards ensuring additional fire stations are built even in local councils through partnerships.  Although a 2007 Federal Executive’s directive is hampering our procurement of fire trucks that cost so much, nevertheless, one is hopeful that government will look at that with a view to ensuring that fire trucks are procured to enhance effective discharge of duty in the safety sector.

Can you give us an estimate of the amount of money that has been lost to fire disaster in the last 10 years?  How many lives lost within the period?
Recall in 2010 alone, an estimated property worth N50bn and 1, 000 lives lost were recorded by the service and by the trend of things it has been an annual event. However, through mechanism and synergy created by the service especially in the creation of National Fire Safety Code (NFSC) and its enforcement, this had helped in stemming the earlier unfortunate huge losses.

We understand that apart from your headquarters here in area 10, Abuja, you also have another station in Gwagwalada.  Are the two stations adequately equipped to cater for the needs of the federal capital territory and its environs?
The Fire Station in the FCT are not enough as more is required to ensure adequate fire coverage of the rapidly growing city. Under normal circumstance and well established fire sector, the ratio of fire fighters ought to be 1 –1000. Unfortunately, in our country, it is 1-20,000 persons which is grossly inadequate and very difficult to administer. The Federal Fire Service in the FCT has five fire stations and posts to maintain, while the FCT Fire Service is as well having few stations and these are not adequate because disasters does not only occur in the city center but in some remote areas and proximity of fire stations would always help in quick response and rescue of victims. Therefore, we need additional fire stations, fire trucks, staff and functional fire hydrants in the city of Abuja.

Fire fighting is a specialized field. How do you get Nigerians interested in the service?
Interest is a relative thing.  What interest you might not be the same with the other person.  And to answer your question directly, earlier Nigerians were skeptical in enlistment into the Fire Service and this could be traced to colonial era where it was people from Sierra Leone and Liberians who indicated interest in doing the job.  However, with the issue of unemployment, the situation is changing for the better as Senators, Directors and Ministers wards and siblings are currently enlisting into the Fire Services.  On our part, we are doing the needful to ensure the public perception about the job is a changed one that enjoys acceptance and appreciation as the job is no longer for the non-literates.  We have masters, first degree holders, HND, OND, NABTE and WASC/GCE with 6 credits among recruitment appreciation of the service today. Training is done in both our Lagos Training School along Ojuelegba, Lagos, and the National Fire Academy in Sheda, Abuja.
Sir, can you briefly tell us what the federal fire service is all about?
The Federal Fire Service by Act of 1963 is given the mandate to save lives and property through firefighting, rescue operation and to render humanitarian services beyond the scope of ordinary person.
However by 2007, the Federal Executive Council expanded the scope of the Agency to include; policy formulation, capacity building public enlightenment, research and statistics. All these mandates successive heads of the organization had worked tirelessly to achieve in order to ensure the safety of lives and property.

What has been your experience over the years in the service?
Experience evolves and with the number of years I have spent so far in the service, one can say it has been very rewarding because much has been learnt in this unique institution that has to do with the saving of lives, property and the environment. However, you must have the passion of a fire fighter which means you have to be ready to give up your own life in order to save others, going by the fire fighters code. Though, there are several challenges but with the humanitarian side of the whole exercise, one feels fulfilled doing the work. It is a job that gives hope as it teaches you to be contented, living within your means and be blessed by God. This I mean, not where you make money, but serving mankind in their distress and most difficult moment where everything one had worked for in life is destroyed within few seconds as a result of fire disaster. Such victims are to be given hope if loss of lives were not involved and other related emergencies.

Fire fighting is a very hazardous occupation, is your staff given incentives and pay hazard allowances?
The service has made provision for Group Accident and Death Insurance Cover. This insurance cover, is both managed by the Head of Service and the Federal Fire Service and it is a functional insurance cover as well over ten personnel of  the service have benefited from the scheme and just last week cheques of N5m each were issued to three next of kin presented before members of the press. Besides, there are other welfare packages extended to staff of the organisation quarterly.

Do you have enough staff and equipment to carry out the job you are mandated to do?
Currently, the organisation staff strength is about 1, 600 from its depletion of less than 700 personnel both in Lagos and Abuja. We must appreciate government for granting us leave for replacement of staff to bring the staff strength to the current level. However, we look forward to strengthening the number of personnel, to ensure effective enforcement of the code and boost our public Enlightenment drive.
As earlier stated to run and maintain fire stations is very expensive but we must not allow that to become a source of discouragement or hindrance towards ensuring that priority is given to the country’s fire services by the three tiers of government, and to transform the safety sectors of the economy to achievement-oriented organization. Government is doing its best to reposition the service but government alone cannot do everything and that is the reason we are requesting corporate bodies to assist.
Sir, can you briefly tell us what the federal fire service is all about?
The Federal Fire Service by Act of 1963 is given the mandate to save lives and property through firefighting, rescue operation and to render humanitarian services beyond the scope of ordinary person.
However by 2007, the Federal Executive Council expanded the scope of the Agency to include; policy formulation, capacity building public enlightenment, research and statistics. All these mandates successive heads of the organization had worked tirelessly to achieve in order to ensure the safety of lives and property.

What has been your experience over the years in the service?
Experience evolves and with the number of years I have spent so far in the service, one can say it has been very rewarding because much has been learnt in this unique institution that has to do with the saving of lives, property and the environment. However, you must have the passion of a fire fighter which means you have to be ready to give up your own life in order to save others, going by the fire fighters code. Though, there are several challenges but with the humanitarian side of the whole exercise, one feels fulfilled doing the work. It is a job that gives hope as it teaches you to be contented, living within your means and be blessed by God. This I mean, not where you make money, but serving mankind in their distress and most difficult moment where everything one had worked for in life is destroyed within few seconds as a result of fire disaster. Such victims are to be given hope if loss of lives were not involved and other related emergencies.

Fire fighting is a very hazardous occupation, is your staff given incentives and pay hazard allowances?
The service has made provision for Group Accident and Death Insurance Cover. This insurance cover, is both managed by the Head of Service and the Federal Fire Service and it is a functional insurance cover as well over ten personnel of  the service have benefited from the scheme and just last week cheques of N5m each were issued to three next of kin presented before members of the press. Besides, there are other welfare packages extended to staff of the organisation quarterly.

Do you have enough staff and equipment to carry out the job you are mandated to do?
Currently, the organisation staff strength is about 1, 600 from its depletion of less than 700 personnel both in Lagos and Abuja. We must appreciate government for granting us leave for replacement of staff to bring the staff strength to the current level. However, we look forward to strengthening the number of personnel, to ensure effective enforcement of the code and boost our public Enlightenment drive.
As earlier stated to run and maintain fire stations is very expensive but we must not allow that to become a source of discouragement or hindrance towards ensuring that priority is given to the country’s fire services by the three tiers of government, and to transform the safety sectors of the economy to achievement-oriented organization. Government is doing its best to reposition the service but government alone cannot do everything and that is the reason we are requesting corporate bodies to assist.

Considering that fire fighting is a costly venture that needs a lot of money to make it effective, and considering that one fully equipped fire fighting truck costs over n200,000,000.  How has the response of the federal government been in this regard?
The Federal government response through successive Hon Minister of Interior has been encouraging both in the setting up of committees to restructure the service and in working towards ensuring additional fire stations are built even in local councils through partnerships.  Although a 2007 Federal Executive’s directive is hampering our procurement of fire trucks that cost so much, nevertheless, one is hopeful that government will look at that with a view to ensuring that fire trucks are procured to enhance effective discharge of duty in the safety sector.

Can you give us an estimate of the amount of money that has been lost to fire disaster in the last 10 years?  How many lives lost within the period?
Recall in 2010 alone, an estimated property worth N50bn and 1, 000 lives lost were recorded by the service and by the trend of things it has been an annual event. However, through mechanism and synergy created by the service especially in the creation of National Fire Safety Code (NFSC) and its enforcement, this had helped in stemming the earlier unfortunate huge losses.

We understand that apart from your headquarters here in area 10, Abuja, you also have another station in Gwagwalada.  Are the two stations adequately equipped to cater for the needs of the federal capital territory and its environs?
The Fire Station in the FCT are not enough as more is required to ensure adequate fire coverage of the rapidly growing city. Under normal circumstance and well established fire sector, the ratio of fire fighters ought to be 1 –1000. Unfortunately, in our country, it is 1-20,000 persons which is grossly inadequate and very difficult to administer. The Federal Fire Service in the FCT has five fire stations and posts to maintain, while the FCT Fire Service is as well having few stations and these are not adequate because disasters does not only occur in the city center but in some remote areas and proximity of fire stations would always help in quick response and rescue of victims. Therefore, we need additional fire stations, fire trucks, staff and functional fire hydrants in the city of Abuja.

Fire fighting is a specialized field. How do you get Nigerians interested in the service?
Interest is a relative thing.  What interest you might not be the same with the other person.  And to answer your question directly, earlier Nigerians were skeptical in enlistment into the Fire Service and this could be traced to colonial era where it was people from Sierra Leone and Liberians who indicated interest in doing the job.  However, with the issue of unemployment, the situation is changing for the better as Senators, Directors and Ministers wards and siblings are currently enlisting into the Fire Services.  On our part, we are doing the needful to ensure the public perception about the job is a changed one that enjoys acceptance and appreciation as the job is no longer for the non-literates.  We have masters, first degree holders, HND, OND, NABTE and WASC/GCE with 6 credits among recruitment appreciation of the service today. Training is done in both our Lagos Training School along Ojuelegba, Lagos, and the National Fire Academy in Sheda, Abuja.

President Buhari recently said that even though, he is not constitutionally empowered to dabble into activities of state and local governments, he would not be happy if things are going wrong at those levels, what is your collaboration with states fire service establishments?
There exists mutual relationship between the Federal Fire Service and State Fire Services in the country.  This long existing cordial relationship is derived from the Fire Service ACT of 1963 which advocates assistance in the area of equipment and training of personnel from the State Fire Services as the need arises.  All these we have been doing though, it might not be enough.  Besides, we have two Conferences to meet and deliberate on the way forward and these are; the 36 States Fire Directors/CG Fire Conference, preparatory to the National Council on Fire Conference, the apex policy making body on Fire and Rescue Services in the country.

In other establishments like the Nigerian Customs Service, the Federal Road Safety Corps, the Nigerian Civil Defence Corps, the states and sometimes private organisations have come to their rescue by providing some logistics like motor vehicles and other forms of assistance to galvanise their activities. How has your organisation benefitted from such assistance?
In your question, several organizations have been assisted in one way or the other. Regrettably, this assistance has not been extended to the Fire Service except the Lagos Island Millennium Goal for Environment (LIMGE) NGO which had assisted in refurbishing our liaison Fire Station at Ajele, in Lagos lsland. However, we are discussing with SW global with a view to establishing a strong relationship that will step up our activities and service delivery. In this regard, we are calling on well-meaning Nigerians to come to the aid of the Fire Service in the country, the sustainers of our common wealth as the government alone cannot shoulder the huge infrastructural acquisition of the service.
Sir, can you briefly tell us what the federal fire service is all about?
The Federal Fire Service by Act of 1963 is given the mandate to save lives and property through firefighting, rescue operation and to render humanitarian services beyond the scope of ordinary person.
However by 2007, the Federal Executive Council expanded the scope of the Agency to include; policy formulation, capacity building public enlightenment, research and statistics. All these mandates successive heads of the organization had worked tirelessly to achieve in order to ensure the safety of lives and property.

What has been your experience over the years in the service?
Experience evolves and with the number of years I have spent so far in the service, one can say it has been very rewarding because much has been learnt in this unique institution that has to do with the saving of lives, property and the environment. However, you must have the passion of a fire fighter which means you have to be ready to give up your own life in order to save others, going by the fire fighters code. Though, there are several challenges but with the humanitarian side of the whole exercise, one feels fulfilled doing the work. It is a job that gives hope as it teaches you to be contented, living within your means and be blessed by God. This I mean, not where you make money, but serving mankind in their distress and most difficult moment where everything one had worked for in life is destroyed within few seconds as a result of fire disaster. Such victims are to be given hope if loss of lives were not involved and other related emergencies.

Fire fighting is a very hazardous occupation, is your staff given incentives and pay hazard allowances?
The service has made provision for Group Accident and Death Insurance Cover. This insurance cover, is both managed by the Head of Service and the Federal Fire Service and it is a functional insurance cover as well over ten personnel of  the service have benefited from the scheme and just last week cheques of N5m each were issued to three next of kin presented before members of the press. Besides, there are other welfare packages extended to staff of the organisation quarterly.

Do you have enough staff and equipment to carry out the job you are mandated to do?
Currently, the organisation staff strength is about 1, 600 from its depletion of less than 700 personnel both in Lagos and Abuja. We must appreciate government for granting us leave for replacement of staff to bring the staff strength to the current level. However, we look forward to strengthening the number of personnel, to ensure effective enforcement of the code and boost our public Enlightenment drive.
As earlier stated to run and maintain fire stations is very expensive but we must not allow that to become a source of discouragement or hindrance towards ensuring that priority is given to the country’s fire services by the three tiers of government, and to transform the safety sectors of the economy to achievement-oriented organization. Government is doing its best to reposition the service but government alone cannot do everything and that is the reason we are requesting corporate bodies to assist.

Considering that fire fighting is a costly venture that needs a lot of money to make it effective, and considering that one fully equipped fire fighting truck costs over n200,000,000.  How has the response of the federal government been in this regard?
The Federal government response through successive Hon Minister of Interior has been encouraging both in the setting up of committees to restructure the service and in working towards ensuring additional fire stations are built even in local councils through partnerships.  Although a 2007 Federal Executive’s directive is hampering our procurement of fire trucks that cost so much, nevertheless, one is hopeful that government will look at that with a view to ensuring that fire trucks are procured to enhance effective discharge of duty in the safety sector.

Can you give us an estimate of the amount of money that has been lost to fire disaster in the last 10 years?  How many lives lost within the period?
Recall in 2010 alone, an estimated property worth N50bn and 1, 000 lives lost were recorded by the service and by the trend of things it has been an annual event. However, through mechanism and synergy created by the service especially in the creation of National Fire Safety Code (NFSC) and its enforcement, this had helped in stemming the earlier unfortunate huge losses.

We understand that apart from your headquarters here in area 10, Abuja, you also have another station in Gwagwalada.  Are the two stations adequately equipped to cater for the needs of the federal capital territory and its environs?
The Fire Station in the FCT are not enough as more is required to ensure adequate fire coverage of the rapidly growing city. Under normal circumstance and well established fire sector, the ratio of fire fighters ought to be 1 –1000. Unfortunately, in our country, it is 1-20,000 persons which is grossly inadequate and very difficult to administer. The Federal Fire Service in the FCT has five fire stations and posts to maintain, while the FCT Fire Service is as well having few stations and these are not adequate because disasters does not only occur in the city center but in some remote areas and proximity of fire stations would always help in quick response and rescue of victims. Therefore, we need additional fire stations, fire trucks, staff and functional fire hydrants in the city of Abuja.

Fire fighting is a specialized field. How do you get Nigerians interested in the service?
Interest is a relative thing.  What interest you might not be the same with the other person.  And to answer your question directly, earlier Nigerians were skeptical in enlistment into the Fire Service and this could be traced to colonial era where it was people from Sierra Leone and Liberians who indicated interest in doing the job.  However, with the issue of unemployment, the situation is changing for the better as Senators, Directors and Ministers wards and siblings are currently enlisting into the Fire Services.  On our part, we are doing the needful to ensure the public perception about the job is a changed one that enjoys acceptance and appreciation as the job is no longer for the non-literates.  We have masters, first degree holders, HND, OND, NABTE and WASC/GCE with 6 credits among recruitment appreciation of the service today. Training is done in both our Lagos Training School along Ojuelegba, Lagos, and the National Fire Academy in Sheda, Abuja.

President Buhari recently said that even though, he is not constitutionally empowered to dabble into activities of state and local governments, he would not be happy if things are going wrong at those levels, what is your collaboration with states fire service establishments?
There exists mutual relationship between the Federal Fire Service and State Fire Services in the country.  This long existing cordial relationship is derived from the Fire Service ACT of 1963 which advocates assistance in the area of equipment and training of personnel from the State Fire Services as the need arises.  All these we have been doing though, it might not be enough.  Besides, we have two Conferences to meet and deliberate on the way forward and these are; the 36 States Fire Directors/CG Fire Conference, preparatory to the National Council on Fire Conference, the apex policy making body on Fire and Rescue Services in the country.

In other establishments like the Nigerian Customs Service, the Federal Road Safety Corps, the Nigerian Civil Defence Corps, the states and sometimes private organisations have come to their rescue by providing some logistics like motor vehicles and other forms of assistance to galvanise their activities. How has your organisation benefitted from such assistance?
In your question, several organizations have been assisted in one way or the other. Regrettably, this assistance has not been extended to the Fire Service except the Lagos Island Millennium Goal for Environment (LIMGE) NGO which had assisted in refurbishing our liaison Fire Station at Ajele, in Lagos lsland. However, we are discussing with SW global with a view to establishing a strong relationship that will step up our activities and service delivery. In this regard, we are calling on well-meaning Nigerians to come to the aid of the Fire Service in the country, the sustainers of our common wealth as the government alone cannot shoulder the huge infrastructural acquisition of the service.
Sir, can you briefly tell us what the federal fire service is all about?
The Federal Fire Service by Act of 1963 is given the mandate to save lives and property through firefighting, rescue operation and to render humanitarian services beyond the scope of ordinary person.
However by 2007, the Federal Executive Council expanded the scope of the Agency to include; policy formulation, capacity building public enlightenment, research and statistics. All these mandates successive heads of the organization had worked tirelessly to achieve in order to ensure the safety of lives and property.

What has been your experience over the years in the service?
Experience evolves and with the number of years I have spent so far in the service, one can say it has been very rewarding because much has been learnt in this unique institution that has to do with the saving of lives, property and the environment. However, you must have the passion of a fire fighter which means you have to be ready to give up your own life in order to save others, going by the fire fighters code. Though, there are several challenges but with the humanitarian side of the whole exercise, one feels fulfilled doing the work. It is a job that gives hope as it teaches you to be contented, living within your means and be blessed by God. This I mean, not where you make money, but serving mankind in their distress and most difficult moment where everything one had worked for in life is destroyed within few seconds as a result of fire disaster. Such victims are to be given hope if loss of lives were not involved and other related emergencies.

Fire fighting is a very hazardous occupation, is your staff given incentives and pay hazard allowances?
The service has made provision for Group Accident and Death Insurance Cover. This insurance cover, is both managed by the Head of Service and the Federal Fire Service and it is a functional insurance cover as well over ten personnel of  the service have benefited from the scheme and just last week cheques of N5m each were issued to three next of kin presented before members of the press. Besides, there are other welfare packages extended to staff of the organisation quarterly.

Do you have enough staff and equipment to carry out the job you are mandated to do?
Currently, the organisation staff strength is about 1, 600 from its depletion of less than 700 personnel both in Lagos and Abuja. We must appreciate government for granting us leave for replacement of staff to bring the staff strength to the current level. However, we look forward to strengthening the number of personnel, to ensure effective enforcement of the code and boost our public Enlightenment drive.
As earlier stated to run and maintain fire stations is very expensive but we must not allow that to become a source of discouragement or hindrance towards ensuring that priority is given to the country’s fire services by the three tiers of government, and to transform the safety sectors of the economy to achievement-oriented organization. Government is doing its best to reposition the service but government alone cannot do everything and that is the reason we are requesting corporate bodies to assist.

Considering that fire fighting is a costly venture that needs a lot of money to make it effective, and considering that one fully equipped fire fighting truck costs over n200,000,000.  How has the response of the federal government been in this regard?
The Federal government response through successive Hon Minister of Interior has been encouraging both in the setting up of committees to restructure the service and in working towards ensuring additional fire stations are built even in local councils through partnerships.  Although a 2007 Federal Executive’s directive is hampering our procurement of fire trucks that cost so much, nevertheless, one is hopeful that government will look at that with a view to ensuring that fire trucks are procured to enhance effective discharge of duty in the safety sector.

Can you give us an estimate of the amount of money that has been lost to fire disaster in the last 10 years?  How many lives lost within the period?
Recall in 2010 alone, an estimated property worth N50bn and 1, 000 lives lost were recorded by the service and by the trend of things it has been an annual event. However, through mechanism and synergy created by the service especially in the creation of National Fire Safety Code (NFSC) and its enforcement, this had helped in stemming the earlier unfortunate huge losses.

We understand that apart from your headquarters here in area 10, Abuja, you also have another station in Gwagwalada.  Are the two stations adequately equipped to cater for the needs of the federal capital territory and its environs?
The Fire Station in the FCT are not enough as more is required to ensure adequate fire coverage of the rapidly growing city. Under normal circumstance and well established fire sector, the ratio of fire fighters ought to be 1 –1000. Unfortunately, in our country, it is 1-20,000 persons which is grossly inadequate and very difficult to administer. The Federal Fire Service in the FCT has five fire stations and posts to maintain, while the FCT Fire Service is as well having few stations and these are not adequate because disasters does not only occur in the city center but in some remote areas and proximity of fire stations would always help in quick response and rescue of victims. Therefore, we need additional fire stations, fire trucks, staff and functional fire hydrants in the city of Abuja.

Fire fighting is a specialized field. How do you get Nigerians interested in the service?
Interest is a relative thing.  What interest you might not be the same with the other person.  And to answer your question directly, earlier Nigerians were skeptical in enlistment into the Fire Service and this could be traced to colonial era where it was people from Sierra Leone and Liberians who indicated interest in doing the job.  However, with the issue of unemployment, the situation is changing for the better as Senators, Directors and Ministers wards and siblings are currently enlisting into the Fire Services.  On our part, we are doing the needful to ensure the public perception about the job is a changed one that enjoys acceptance and appreciation as the job is no longer for the non-literates.  We have masters, first degree holders, HND, OND, NABTE and WASC/GCE with 6 credits among recruitment appreciation of the service today. Training is done in both our Lagos Training School along Ojuelegba, Lagos, and the National Fire Academy in Sheda, Abuja.

President Buhari recently said that even though, he is not constitutionally empowered to dabble into activities of state and local governments, he would not be happy if things are going wrong at those levels, what is your collaboration with states fire service establishments?
There exists mutual relationship between the Federal Fire Service and State Fire Services in the country.  This long existing cordial relationship is derived from the Fire Service ACT of 1963 which advocates assistance in the area of equipment and training of personnel from the State Fire Services as the need arises.  All these we have been doing though, it might not be enough.  Besides, we have two Conferences to meet and deliberate on the way forward and these are; the 36 States Fire Directors/CG Fire Conference, preparatory to the National Council on Fire Conference, the apex policy making body on Fire and Rescue Services in the country.

In other establishments like the Nigerian Customs Service, the Federal Road Safety Corps, the Nigerian Civil Defence Corps, the states and sometimes private organisations have come to their rescue by providing some logistics like motor vehicles and other forms of assistance to galvanise their activities. How has your organisation benefitted from such assistance?
In your question, several organizations have been assisted in one way or the other. Regrettably, this assistance has not been extended to the Fire Service except the Lagos Island Millennium Goal for Environment (LIMGE) NGO which had assisted in refurbishing our liaison Fire Station at Ajele, in Lagos lsland. However, we are discussing with SW global with a view to establishing a strong relationship that will step up our activities and service delivery. In this regard, we are calling on well-meaning Nigerians to come to the aid of the Fire Service in the country, the sustainers of our common wealth as the government alone cannot shoulder the huge infrastructural acquisition of the service.
Sir, can you briefly tell us what the federal fire service is all about?
The Federal Fire Service by Act of 1963 is given the mandate to save lives and property through firefighting, rescue operation and to render humanitarian services beyond the scope of ordinary person.
However by 2007, the Federal Executive Council expanded the scope of the Agency to include; policy formulation, capacity building public enlightenment, research and statistics. All these mandates successive heads of the organization had worked tirelessly to achieve in order to ensure the safety of lives and property.

What has been your experience over the years in the service?
Experience evolves and with the number of years I have spent so far in the service, one can say it has been very rewarding because much has been learnt in this unique institution that has to do with the saving of lives, property and the environment. However, you must have the passion of a fire fighter which means you have to be ready to give up your own life in order to save others, going by the fire fighters code. Though, there are several challenges but with the humanitarian side of the whole exercise, one feels fulfilled doing the work. It is a job that gives hope as it teaches you to be contented, living within your means and be blessed by God. This I mean, not where you make money, but serving mankind in their distress and most difficult moment where everything one had worked for in life is destroyed within few seconds as a result of fire disaster. Such victims are to be given hope if loss of lives were not involved and other related emergencies.

Fire fighting is a very hazardous occupation, is your staff given incentives and pay hazard allowances?
The service has made provision for Group Accident and Death Insurance Cover. This insurance cover, is both managed by the Head of Service and the Federal Fire Service and it is a functional insurance cover as well over ten personnel of  the service have benefited from the scheme and just last week cheques of N5m each were issued to three next of kin presented before members of the press. Besides, there are other welfare packages extended to staff of the organisation quarterly.

Do you have enough staff and equipment to carry out the job you are mandated to do?
Currently, the organisation staff strength is about 1, 600 from its depletion of less than 700 personnel both in Lagos and Abuja. We must appreciate government for granting us leave for replacement of staff to bring the staff strength to the current level. However, we look forward to strengthening the number of personnel, to ensure effective enforcement of the code and boost our public Enlightenment drive.
As earlier stated to run and maintain fire stations is very expensive but we must not allow that to become a source of discouragement or hindrance towards ensuring that priority is given to the country’s fire services by the three tiers of government, and to transform the safety sectors of the economy to achievement-oriented organization. Government is doing its best to reposition the service but government alone cannot do everything and that is the reason we are requesting corporate bodies to assist.

Considering that fire fighting is a costly venture that needs a lot of money to make it effective, and considering that one fully equipped fire fighting truck costs over n200,000,000.  How has the response of the federal government been in this regard?
The Federal government response through successive Hon Minister of Interior has been encouraging both in the setting up of committees to restructure the service and in working towards ensuring additional fire stations are built even in local councils through partnerships.  Although a 2007 Federal Executive’s directive is hampering our procurement of fire trucks that cost so much, nevertheless, one is hopeful that government will look at that with a view to ensuring that fire trucks are procured to enhance effective discharge of duty in the safety sector.

Can you give us an estimate of the amount of money that has been lost to fire disaster in the last 10 years?  How many lives lost within the period?
Recall in 2010 alone, an estimated property worth N50bn and 1, 000 lives lost were recorded by the service and by the trend of things it has been an annual event. However, through mechanism and synergy created by the service especially in the creation of National Fire Safety Code (NFSC) and its enforcement, this had helped in stemming the earlier unfortunate huge losses.

We understand that apart from your headquarters here in area 10, Abuja, you also have another station in Gwagwalada.  Are the two stations adequately equipped to cater for the needs of the federal capital territory and its environs?
The Fire Station in the FCT are not enough as more is required to ensure adequate fire coverage of the rapidly growing city. Under normal circumstance and well established fire sector, the ratio of fire fighters ought to be 1 –1000. Unfortunately, in our country, it is 1-20,000 persons which is grossly inadequate and very difficult to administer. The Federal Fire Service in the FCT has five fire stations and posts to maintain, while the FCT Fire Service is as well having few stations and these are not adequate because disasters does not only occur in the city center but in some remote areas and proximity of fire stations would always help in quick response and rescue of victims. Therefore, we need additional fire stations, fire trucks, staff and functional fire hydrants in the city of Abuja.

Fire fighting is a specialized field. How do you get Nigerians interested in the service?
Interest is a relative thing.  What interest you might not be the same with the other person.  And to answer your question directly, earlier Nigerians were skeptical in enlistment into the Fire Service and this could be traced to colonial era where it was people from Sierra Leone and Liberians who indicated interest in doing the job.  However, with the issue of unemployment, the situation is changing for the better as Senators, Directors and Ministers wards and siblings are currently enlisting into the Fire Services.  On our part, we are doing the needful to ensure the public perception about the job is a changed one that enjoys acceptance and appreciation as the job is no longer for the non-literates.  We have masters, first degree holders, HND, OND, NABTE and WASC/GCE with 6 credits among recruitment appreciation of the service today. Training is done in both our Lagos Training School along Ojuelegba, Lagos, and the National Fire Academy in Sheda, Abuja.

President Buhari recently said that even though, he is not constitutionally empowered to dabble into activities of state and local governments, he would not be happy if things are going wrong at those levels, what is your collaboration with states fire service establishments?
There exists mutual relationship between the Federal Fire Service and State Fire Services in the country.  This long existing cordial relationship is derived from the Fire Service ACT of 1963 which advocates assistance in the area of equipment and training of personnel from the State Fire Services as the need arises.  All these we have been doing though, it might not be enough.  Besides, we have two Conferences to meet and deliberate on the way forward and these are; the 36 States Fire Directors/CG Fire Conference, preparatory to the National Council on Fire Conference, the apex policy making body on Fire and Rescue Services in the country.
Sir, can you briefly tell us what the federal fire service is all about?
The Federal Fire Service by Act of 1963 is given the mandate to save lives and property through firefighting, rescue operation and to render humanitarian services beyond the scope of ordinary person.
However by 2007, the Federal Executive Council expanded the scope of the Agency to include; policy formulation, capacity building public enlightenment, research and statistics. All these mandates successive heads of the organization had worked tirelessly to achieve in order to ensure the safety of lives and property.

What has been your experience over the years in the service?
Experience evolves and with the number of years I have spent so far in the service, one can say it has been very rewarding because much has been learnt in this unique institution that has to do with the saving of lives, property and the environment. However, you must have the passion of a fire fighter which means you have to be ready to give up your own life in order to save others, going by the fire fighters code. Though, there are several challenges but with the humanitarian side of the whole exercise, one feels fulfilled doing the work. It is a job that gives hope as it teaches you to be contented, living within your means and be blessed by God. This I mean, not where you make money, but serving mankind in their distress and most difficult moment where everything one had worked for in life is destroyed within few seconds as a result of fire disaster. Such victims are to be given hope if loss of lives were not involved and other related emergencies.

Fire fighting is a very hazardous occupation, is your staff given incentives and pay hazard allowances?
The service has made provision for Group Accident and Death Insurance Cover. This insurance cover, is both managed by the Head of Service and the Federal Fire Service and it is a functional insurance cover as well over ten personnel of  the service have benefited from the scheme and just last week cheques of N5m each were issued to three next of kin presented before members of the press. Besides, there are other welfare packages extended to staff of the organisation quarterly.

Do you have enough staff and equipment to carry out the job you are mandated to do?
Currently, the organisation staff strength is about 1, 600 from its depletion of less than 700 personnel both in Lagos and Abuja. We must appreciate government for granting us leave for replacement of staff to bring the staff strength to the current level. However, we look forward to strengthening the number of personnel, to ensure effective enforcement of the code and boost our public Enlightenment drive.
As earlier stated to run and maintain fire stations is very expensive but we must not allow that to become a source of discouragement or hindrance towards ensuring that priority is given to the country’s fire services by the three tiers of government, and to transform the safety sectors of the economy to achievement-oriented organization. Government is doing its best to reposition the service but government alone cannot do everything and that is the reason we are requesting corporate bodies to assist.

Considering that fire fighting is a costly venture that needs a lot of money to make it effective, and considering that one fully equipped fire fighting truck costs over n200,000,000.  How has the response of the federal government been in this regard?
The Federal government response through successive Hon Minister of Interior has been encouraging both in the setting up of committees to restructure the service and in working towards ensuring additional fire stations are built even in local councils through partnerships.  Although a 2007 Federal Executive’s directive is hampering our procurement of fire trucks that cost so much, nevertheless, one is hopeful that government will look at that with a view to ensuring that fire trucks are procured to enhance effective discharge of duty in the safety sector.

Can you give us an estimate of the amount of money that has been lost to fire disaster in the last 10 years?  How many lives lost within the period?
Recall in 2010 alone, an estimated property worth N50bn and 1, 000 lives lost were recorded by the service and by the trend of things it has been an annual event. However, through mechanism and synergy created by the service especially in the creation of National Fire Safety Code (NFSC) and its enforcement, this had helped in stemming the earlier unfortunate huge losses.

We understand that apart from your headquarters here in area 10, Abuja, you also have another station in Gwagwalada.  Are the two stations adequately equipped to cater for the needs of the federal capital territory and its environs?
The Fire Station in the FCT are not enough as more is required to ensure adequate fire coverage of the rapidly growing city. Under normal circumstance and well established fire sector, the ratio of fire fighters ought to be 1 –1000. Unfortunately, in our country, it is 1-20,000 persons which is grossly inadequate and very difficult to administer. The Federal Fire Service in the FCT has five fire stations and posts to maintain, while the FCT Fire Service is as well having few stations and these are not adequate because disasters does not only occur in the city center but in some remote areas and proximity of fire stations would always help in quick response and rescue of victims. Therefore, we need additional fire stations, fire trucks, staff and functional fire hydrants in the city of Abuja.

Fire fighting is a specialized field. How do you get Nigerians interested in the service?
Interest is a relative thing.  What interest you might not be the same with the other person.  And to answer your question directly, earlier Nigerians were skeptical in enlistment into the Fire Service and this could be traced to colonial era where it was people from Sierra Leone and Liberians who indicated interest in doing the job.  However, with the issue of unemployment, the situation is changing for the better as Senators, Directors and Ministers wards and siblings are currently enlisting into the Fire Services.  On our part, we are doing the needful to ensure the public perception about the job is a changed one that enjoys acceptance and appreciation as the job is no longer for the non-literates.  We have masters, first degree holders, HND, OND, NABTE and WASC/GCE with 6 credits among recruitment appreciation of the service today. Training is done in both our Lagos Training School along Ojuelegba, Lagos, and the National Fire Academy in Sheda, Abuja.

President Buhari recently said that even though, he is not constitutionally empowered to dabble into activities of state and local governments, he would not be happy if things are going wrong at those levels, what is your collaboration with states fire service establishments?
There exists mutual relationship between the Federal Fire Service and State Fire Services in the country.  This long existing cordial relationship is derived from the Fire Service ACT of 1963 which advocates assistance in the area of equipment and training of personnel from the State Fire Services as the need arises.  All these we have been doing though, it might not be enough.  Besides, we have two Conferences to meet and deliberate on the way forward and these are; the 36 States Fire Directors/CG Fire Conference, preparatory to the National Council on Fire Conference, the apex policy making body on Fire and Rescue Services in the country.

In other establishments like the Nigerian Customs Service, the Federal Road Safety Corps, the Nigerian Civil Defence Corps, the states and sometimes private organisations have come to their rescue by providing some logistics like motor vehicles and other forms of assistance to galvanise their activities. How has your organisation benefitted from such assistance?
In your question, several organizations have been assisted in one way or the other. Regrettably, this assistance has not been extended to the Fire Service except the Lagos Island Millennium Goal for Environment (LIMGE) NGO which had assisted in refurbishing our liaison Fire Station at Ajele, in Lagos lsland. However, we are discussing with SW global with a view to establishing a strong relationship that will step up our activities and service delivery. In this regard, we are calling on well-meaning Nigerians to come to the aid of the Fire Service in the country, the sustainers of our common wealth as the government alone cannot shoulder the huge infrastructural acquisition of the service.

We are aware that in order to motivate the staff, issues that relate to their welfare of staff must be properly addressed.  How many of your staff has been promoted in the last few years?  And how have been the benefits of those who retired from the service addressed?
On my assumption as CG Federal Fire Service in December, 4, 2014, I was overwhelmed by stagnancy in promotion of personnel as some were in arrears of promotion which though, was a carryover from Ministry of Works and Housing before the return of the agency to Ministry of Interior in 2007.  This challenge was quickly taken care of as another opportunity of promotion was drawn within few months of my appointment which I utilized to ensure staff of the organisation was promoted to the next level.  In fact, as I am talking to you another interview is slated for this year, and those who perform well, will all be promoted by the grace of God.  In this regard, promotion to me is the only permanent welfare you could extend to staff of any organisation because at retirement upon 35 years in service, nothing is taken away from such retirees.

In your question, several organizations have been assisted in one way or the other. Regrettably, this assistance has not been extended to the Fire Service except the Lagos Island Millennium Goal for Environment (LIMGE) NGO which had assisted in refurbishing our liaison Fire Station at Ajele, in Lagos lsland. However, we are discussing with SW global with a view to establishing a strong relationship that will step up our activities and service delivery. In this regard, we are calling on well-meaning Nigerians to come to the aid of the Fire Service in the country, the sustainers of our common wealth as the government alone cannot shoulder the huge infrastructural acquisition of the service.

We are aware that in order to motivate the staff, issues that relate to their welfare of staff must be properly addressed.  How many of your staff has been promoted in the last few years?  And how have been the benefits of those who retired from the service addressed?
On my assumption as CG Federal Fire Service in December, 4, 2014, I was overwhelmed by stagnancy in promotion of personnel as some were in arrears of promotion which though, was a carryover from Ministry of Works and Housing before the return of the agency to Ministry of Interior in 2007.  This challenge was quickly taken care of as another opportunity of promotion was drawn within few months of my appointment which I utilized to ensure staff of the organisation was promoted to the next level.  In fact, as I am talking to you another interview is slated for this year, and those who perform well, will all be promoted by the grace of God.  In this regard, promotion to me is the only permanent welfare you could extend to staff of any organisation because at retirement upon 35 years in service, nothing is taken away from such retirees.

On my assumption as CG Federal Fire Service in December, 4, 2014, I was overwhelmed by stagnancy in promotion of personnel as some were in arrears of promotion which though, was a carryover from Ministry of Works and Housing before the return of the agency to Ministry of Interior in 2007.  This challenge was quickly taken care of as another opportunity of promotion was drawn within few months of my appointment which I utilized to ensure staff of the organisation was promoted to the next level.  In fact, as I am talking to you another interview is slated for this year, and those who perform well, will all be promoted by the grace of God.  In this regard, promotion to me is the only permanent welfare you could extend to staff of any organisation because at retirement upon 35 years in service, nothing is taken away from such retirees.

On my assumption as CG Federal Fire Service in December, 4, 2014, I was overwhelmed by stagnancy in promotion of personnel as some were in arrears of promotion which though, was a carryover from Ministry of Works and Housing before the return of the agency to Ministry of Interior in 2007.  This challenge was quickly taken care of as another opportunity of promotion was drawn within few months of my appointment which I utilized to ensure staff of the organisation was promoted to the next level.  In fact, as I am talking to you another interview is slated for this year, and those who perform well, will all be promoted by the grace of God.  In this regard, promotion to me is the only permanent welfare you could extend to staff of any organisation because at retirement upon 35 years in service, nothing is taken away from such retirees.

On my assumption as CG Federal Fire Service in December, 4, 2014, I was overwhelmed by stagnancy in promotion of personnel as some were in arrears of promotion which though, was a carryover from Ministry of Works and Housing before the return of the agency to Ministry of Interior in 2007.  This challenge was quickly taken care of as another opportunity of promotion was drawn within few months of my appointment which I utilized to ensure staff of the organisation was promoted to the next level.  In fact, as I am talking to you another interview is slated for this year, and those who perform well, will all be promoted by the grace of God.  In this regard, promotion to me is the only permanent welfare you could extend to staff of any organisation because at retirement upon 35 years in service, nothing is taken away from such retirees.

The Federal government response through successive Hon Minister of Interior has been encouraging both in the setting up of committees to restructure the service and in working towards ensuring additional fire stations are built even in local councils through partnerships.  Although a 2007 Federal Executive’s directive is hampering our procurement of fire trucks that cost so much, nevertheless, one is hopeful that government will look at that with a view to ensuring that fire trucks are procured to enhance effective discharge of duty in the safety sector.
Sir, can you briefly tell us what the federal fire service is all about?
The Federal Fire Service by Act of 1963 is given the mandate to save lives and property through firefighting, rescue operation and to render humanitarian services beyond the scope of ordinary person.
However by 2007, the Federal Executive Council expanded the scope of the Agency to include; policy formulation, capacity building public enlightenment, research and statistics. All these mandates successive heads of the organization had worked tirelessly to achieve in order to ensure the safety of lives and property.

What has been your experience over the years in the service?
Experience evolves and with the number of years I have spent so far in the service, one can say it has been very rewarding because much has been learnt in this unique institution that has to do with the saving of lives, property and the environment. However, you must have the passion of a fire fighter which means you have to be ready to give up your own life in order to save others, going by the fire fighters code. Though, there are several challenges but with the humanitarian side of the whole exercise, one feels fulfilled doing the work. It is a job that gives hope as it teaches you to be contented, living within your means and be blessed by God. This I mean, not where you make money, but serving mankind in their distress and most difficult moment where everything one had worked for in life is destroyed within few seconds as a result of fire disaster. Such victims are to be given hope if loss of lives were not involved and other related emergencies.

Fire fighting is a very hazardous occupation, is your staff given incentives and pay hazard allowances?
The service has made provision for Group Accident and Death Insurance Cover. This insurance cover, is both managed by the Head of Service and the Federal Fire Service and it is a functional insurance cover as well over ten personnel of  the service have benefited from the scheme and just last week cheques of N5m each were issued to three next of kin presented before members of the press. Besides, there are other welfare packages extended to staff of the organisation quarterly.

Do you have enough staff and equipment to carry out the job you are mandated to do?
Currently, the organisation staff strength is about 1, 600 from its depletion of less than 700 personnel both in Lagos and Abuja. We must appreciate government for granting us leave for replacement of staff to bring the staff strength to the current level. However, we look forward to strengthening the number of personnel, to ensure effective enforcement of the code and boost our public Enlightenment drive.
As earlier stated to run and maintain fire stations is very expensive but we must not allow that to become a source of discouragement or hindrance towards ensuring that priority is given to the country’s fire services by the three tiers of government, and to transform the safety sectors of the economy to achievement-oriented organization. Government is doing its best to reposition the service but government alone cannot do everything and that is the reason we are requesting corporate bodies to assist.

Considering that fire fighting is a costly venture that needs a lot of money to make it effective, and considering that one fully equipped fire fighting truck costs over n200,000,000.  How has the response of the federal government been in this regard?
The Federal government response through successive Hon Minister of Interior has been encouraging both in the setting up of committees to restructure the service and in working towards ensuring additional fire stations are built even in local councils through partnerships.  Although a 2007 Federal Executive’s directive is hampering our procurement of fire trucks that cost so much, nevertheless, one is hopeful that government will look at that with a view to ensuring that fire trucks are procured to enhance effective discharge of duty in the safety sector.

Can you give us an estimate of the amount of money that has been lost to fire disaster in the last 10 years?  How many lives lost within the period?
Recall in 2010 alone, an estimated property worth N50bn and 1, 000 lives lost were recorded by the service and by the trend of things it has been an annual event. However, through mechanism and synergy created by the service especially in the creation of National Fire Safety Code (NFSC) and its enforcement, this had helped in stemming the earlier unfortunate huge losses.

We understand that apart from your headquarters here in area 10, Abuja, you also have another station in Gwagwalada.  Are the two stations adequately equipped to cater for the needs of the federal capital territory and its environs?
The Fire Station in the FCT are not enough as more is required to ensure adequate fire coverage of the rapidly growing city. Under normal circumstance and well established fire sector, the ratio of fire fighters ought to be 1 –1000. Unfortunately, in our country, it is 1-20,000 persons which is grossly inadequate and very difficult to administer. The Federal Fire Service in the FCT has five fire stations and posts to maintain, while the FCT Fire Service is as well having few stations and these are not adequate because disasters does not only occur in the city center but in some remote areas and proximity of fire stations would always help in quick response and rescue of victims. Therefore, we need additional fire stations, fire trucks, staff and functional fire hydrants in the city of Abuja.

Fire fighting is a specialized field. How do you get Nigerians interested in the service?
Interest is a relative thing.  What interest you might not be the same with the other person.  And to answer your question directly, earlier Nigerians were skeptical in enlistment into the Fire Service and this could be traced to colonial era where it was people from Sierra Leone and Liberians who indicated interest in doing the job.  However, with the issue of unemployment, the situation is changing for the better as Senators, Directors and Ministers wards and siblings are currently enlisting into the Fire Services.  On our part, we are doing the needful to ensure the public perception about the job is a changed one that enjoys acceptance and appreciation as the job is no longer for the non-literates.  We have masters, first degree holders, HND, OND, NABTE and WASC/GCE with 6 credits among recruitment appreciation of the service today. Training is done in both our Lagos Training School along Ojuelegba, Lagos, and the National Fire Academy in Sheda, Abuja.

President Buhari recently said that even though, he is not constitutionally empowered to dabble into activities of state and local governments, he would not be happy if things are going wrong at those levels, what is your collaboration with states fire service establishments?
There exists mutual relationship between the Federal Fire Service and State Fire Services in the country.  This long existing cordial relationship is derived from the Fire Service ACT of 1963 which advocates assistance in the area of equipment and training of personnel from the State Fire Services as the need arises.  All these we have been doing though, it might not be enough.  Besides, we have two Conferences to meet and deliberate on the way forward and these are; the 36 States Fire Directors/CG Fire Conference, preparatory to the National Council on Fire Conference, the apex policy making body on Fire and Rescue Services in the country.

In other establishments like the Nigerian Customs Service, the Federal Road Safety Corps, the Nigerian Civil Defence Corps, the states and sometimes private organisations have come to their rescue by providing some logistics like motor vehicles and other forms of assistance to galvanise their activities. How has your organisation benefitted from such assistance?
In your question, several organizations have been assisted in one way or the other. Regrettably, this assistance has not been extended to the Fire Service except the Lagos Island Millennium Goal for Environment (LIMGE) NGO which had assisted in refurbishing our liaison Fire Station at Ajele, in Lagos lsland. However, we are discussing with SW global with a view to establishing a strong relationship that will step up our activities and service delivery. In this regard, we are calling on well-meaning Nigerians to come to the aid of the Fire Service in the country, the sustainers of our common wealth as the government alone cannot shoulder the huge infrastructural acquisition of the service.

We are aware that in order to motivate the staff, issues that relate to their welfare of staff must be properly addressed.  How many of your staff has been promoted in the last few years?  And how have been the benefits of those who retired from the service addressed?
On my assumption as CG Federal Fire Service in December, 4, 2014, I was overwhelmed by stagnancy in promotion of personnel as some were in arrears of promotion which though, was a carryover from Ministry of Works and Housing before the return of the agency to Ministry of Interior in 2007.  This challenge was quickly taken care of as another opportunity of promotion was drawn within few months of my appointment which I utilized to ensure staff of the organisation was promoted to the next level.  In fact, as I am talking to you another interview is slated for this year, and those who perform well, will all be promoted by the grace of God.  In this regard, promotion to me is the only permanent welfare you could extend to staff of any organisation because at retirement upon 35 years in service, nothing is taken away from such retirees.

Recall in 2010 alone, an estimated property worth N50bn and 1, 000 lives lost were recorded by the service and by the trend of things it has been an annual event. However, through mechanism and synergy created by the service especially in the creation of National Fire Safety Code (NFSC) and its enforcement, this had helped in stemming the earlier unfortunate huge losses.

We understand that apart from your headquarters here in area 10, Abuja, you also have another station in Gwagwalada.  Are the two stations adequately equipped to cater for the needs of the federal capital territory and its environs?
The Fire Station in the FCT are not enough as more is required to ensure adequate fire coverage of the rapidly growing city. Under normal circumstance and well established fire sector, the ratio of fire fighters ought to be 1 –1000. Unfortunately, in our country, it is 1-20,000 persons which is grossly inadequate and very difficult to administer. The Federal Fire Service in the FCT has five fire stations and posts to maintain, while the FCT Fire Service is as well having few stations and these are not adequate because disasters does not only occur in the city center but in some remote areas and proximity of fire stations would always help in quick response and rescue of victims. Therefore, we need additional fire stations, fire trucks, staff and functional fire hydrants in the city of Abuja.

Fire fighting is a specialized field. How do you get Nigerians interested in the service?
Interest is a relative thing.  What interest you might not be the same with the other person.  And to answer your question directly, earlier Nigerians were skeptical in enlistment into the Fire Service and this could be traced to colonial era where it was people from Sierra Leone and Liberians who indicated interest in doing the job.  However, with the issue of unemployment, the situation is changing for the better as Senators, Directors and Ministers wards and siblings are currently enlisting into the Fire Services.  On our part, we are doing the needful to ensure the public perception about the job is a changed one that enjoys acceptance and appreciation as the job is no longer for the non-literates.  We have masters, first degree holders, HND, OND, NABTE and WASC/GCE with 6 credits among recruitment appreciation of the service today. Training is done in both our Lagos Training School along Ojuelegba, Lagos, and the National Fire Academy in Sheda, Abuja.

President Buhari recently said that even though, he is not constitutionally empowered to dabble into activities of state and local governments, he would not be happy if things are going wrong at those levels, what is your collaboration with states fire service establishments?
There exists mutual relationship between the Federal Fire Service and State Fire Services in the country.  This long existing cordial relationship is derived from the Fire Service ACT of 1963 which advocates assistance in the area of equipment and training of personnel from the State Fire Services as the need arises.  All these we have been doing though, it might not be enough.  Besides, we have two Conferences to meet and deliberate on the way forward and these are; the 36 States Fire Directors/CG Fire Conference, preparatory to the National Council on Fire Conference, the apex policy making body on Fire and Rescue Services in the country.

In other establishments like the Nigerian Customs Service, the Federal Road Safety Corps, the Nigerian Civil Defence Corps, the states and sometimes private organisations have come to their rescue by providing some logistics like motor vehicles and other forms of assistance to galvanise their activities. How has your organisation benefitted from such assistance?
In your question, several organizations have been assisted in one way or the other. Regrettably, this assistance has not been extended to the Fire Service except the Lagos Island Millennium Goal for Environment (LIMGE) NGO which had assisted in refurbishing our liaison Fire Station at Ajele, in Lagos lsland. However, we are discussing with SW global with a view to establishing a strong relationship that will step up our activities and service delivery. In this regard, we are calling on well-meaning Nigerians to come to the aid of the Fire Service in the country, the sustainers of our common wealth as the government alone cannot shoulder the huge infrastructural acquisition of the service.

We are aware that in order to motivate the staff, issues that relate to their welfare of staff must be properly addressed.  How many of your staff has been promoted in the last few years?  And how have been the benefits of those who retired from the service addressed?
On my assumption as CG Federal Fire Service in December, 4, 2014, I was overwhelmed by stagnancy in promotion of personnel as some were in arrears of promotion which though, was a carryover from Ministry of Works and Housing before the return of the agency to Ministry of Interior in 2007.  This challenge was quickly taken care of as another opportunity of promotion was drawn within few months of my appointment which I utilized to ensure staff of the organisation was promoted to the next level.  In fact, as I am talking to you another interview is slated for this year, and those who perform well, will all be promoted by the grace of God.  In this regard, promotion to me is the only permanent welfare you could extend to staff of any organisation because at retirement upon 35 years in service, nothing is taken away from such retirees.

There exists mutual relationship between the Federal Fire Service and State Fire Services in the country.  This long existing cordial relationship is derived from the Fire Service ACT of 1963 which advocates assistance in the area of equipment and training of personnel from the State Fire Services as the need arises.  All these we have been doing though, it might not be enough.  Besides, we have two Conferences to meet and deliberate on the way forward and these are; the 36 States Fire Directors/CG Fire Conference, preparatory to the National Council on Fire Conference, the apex policy making body on Fire and Rescue Services in the country.

In other establishments like the Nigerian Customs Service, the Federal Road Safety Corps, the Nigerian Civil Defence Corps, the states and sometimes private organisations have come to their rescue by providing some logistics like motor vehicles and other forms of assistance to galvanise their activities. How has your organisation benefitted from such assistance?
In your question, several organizations have been assisted in one way or the other. Regrettably, this assistance has not been extended to the Fire Service except the Lagos Island Millennium Goal for Environment (LIMGE) NGO which had assisted in refurbishing our liaison Fire Station at Ajele, in Lagos lsland. However, we are discussing with SW global with a view to establishing a strong relationship that will step up our activities and service delivery. In this regard, we are calling on well-meaning Nigerians to come to the aid of the Fire Service in the country, the sustainers of our common wealth as the government alone cannot shoulder the huge infrastructural acquisition of the service.

We are aware that in order to motivate the staff, issues that relate to their welfare of staff must be properly addressed.  How many of your staff has been promoted in the last few years?  And how have been the benefits of those who retired from the service addressed?
On my assumption as CG Federal Fire Service in December, 4, 2014, I was overwhelmed by stagnancy in promotion of personnel as some were in arrears of promotion which though, was a carryover from Ministry of Works and Housing before the return of the agency to Ministry of Interior in 2007.  This challenge was quickly taken care of as another opportunity of promotion was drawn within few months of my appointment which I utilized to ensure staff of the organisation was promoted to the next level.  In fact, as I am talking to you another interview is slated for this year, and those who perform well, will all be promoted by the grace of God.  In this regard, promotion to me is the only permanent welfare you could extend to staff of any organisation because at retirement upon 35 years in service, nothing is taken away from such retirees.