Niger State Governor and Chairman North Central Governors Forum, Abubakar Sani Bello has called on the presence of the Federal Fire Service in critical facilities of the Federal Government across the country.
Governor Sani Bello made the call when he interacted with the Controller General (CG), Dr Liman Ibrahim Alhaji who was on a courtesy call at the Government House, Minna.
The Governor who noted that the presence of the Federal Fire Service in critical areas particularly Petrol Depots that usually experience huge number of petrol tankers stationed at different points,would be of great help in case of any eventualities.
He said on his part, the state government was working towards having at least five functional fire services in highly sensitive areas in the state.
While commending the CG for repositioning the Federal Fire Service in all ramifications, the Governor appreciated him for supporting the state fire service with two modern fire fighting trucks.
The Governor enumerated his administration’s efforts in reviving the state fire service which was in comatose at the time he assumed office.
“When I came I saw old fire service facilities most of the fire trucks were on stones, so I made a decision to look to seeing how they could be revived, so, I think we started by buying about 20 to 30 machines.
“Right now, we are at the process of building more fire stations, we have identified some volatile areas that we are going to work on”, he added.
The CG, Federal Fire Service, Dr
Ibrahim said that they were in the state for a retreat aimed at developing documents on Fire Policy, National Fire Safety Code, Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) and Discipline Regulation for Federal Fire Service.
Dr Liman Ibrahim said that it is part of their responsibility to protect national assets, adding that they have commenced the exercise by creating an outpost in Ajaokuta Steel Industry, Kogi State.
He said they are working with relevant authorities like the Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation(NNPC) and others towards having an outpost at the various oil facilities as well as other national assets.
The CG highlighted some of his achievements in the Federal Fire Service since his assumption to office as 69 fire trucks, 33 water tankers, 22 ambulances, employed 3000 fire personnel, trained 800 among others.
He called on the people to observe all precautions, especially at this harmattan period to prevent fire outbreaks.
