According to Abdulganiyu Jaji, Controller General of the Federal Fire Service (FFS), fire breakouts in the nation caused the loss of property valued at around N67.1 billion in 2024.
He made this revelation while briefing reporters in Abuja, adding that over the same time frame, fire outbreaks were responsible for roughly 100 documented fatalities.
The Controller General claims that last year, the Service also preserved N1.94 trillion worth of property.
Jaji clarified that in 2024, the Federal Fire Service recorded an estimated property damage of N67.1 billion and successfully saved property valued at N1.94 trillion.
“The Federal Fire Service responded to fire and other emergencies that same year, saving 30,890 lives while losing over 100,” he continued.
Jaji remarked that the cases of fire outbreaks could rise during the harmattan season when humidity is low, asked all operators of fuel stations, petrol tankers, gas refilling stations, gas cylinders consumers and the general public to follow safety protocols and rules to curb the situation.
He added stated that the Service would continue to advance its aims through robust plans, operational efficiency and proactive movements this year.
Using state-of-the-art technologies like the National Fire Detection and Alarm System (NAFDAS) and the N-Alert fire alarm app, he continued, they would also concentrate on increasing awareness and speeding up response times.
As he praised President Bola Tinubu for authorizing the purchase of cutting-edge firefighting equipment and the renovation of the National Fire Academy, he urged Nigerians to support the repeal and re-enactment of the Fire Service Act of 1963, saying that if it is achieved, it will reposition the Service to enhance effective service delivery.