By our Reporter
The Federal Fire Service (FFS) has called for stronger collaboration with the private sector to address critical gaps in the country’s fire emergency and rescue system.
The Controller General of the Service, Olumode Samuel Adeyemi, made the appeal during a strategic visit to BUA Group under the Abdul Samad Rabiu Africa Initiative (ASR Africa) in Abuja.
Adeyemi identified inadequate fire station coverage, shortage of firefighting equipment, and limited emergency medical response capacity as major challenges hindering effective response to fire outbreaks and related emergencies.
He stressed that improving response time remains critical to saving lives, noting that the expansion of fire station networks and the strengthening of emergency medical services must be prioritised at the national level.
The Controller General commended ASR Africa for its investment in safety infrastructure, including the establishment of a private fire station, but emphasised the need for a coordinated system that aligns private and public firefighting efforts under national standards.
He explained that enhanced collaboration between the FFS and ASR Africa would facilitate joint operational drills, simulation exercises, and structured training programmes for fire personnel. He added that such partnerships would also support community sensitisation and equip residents with practical fire safety knowledge to improve grassroots emergency preparedness.
Adeyemi further highlighted the need for increased investment in emergency medical services within the Service, pointing out that the current number of ambulances is insufficient to meet growing national demand.
He reiterated that sustained partnerships with the private sector are essential to building a modern, responsive, and inclusive fire safety system in Nigeria.
In his remarks, the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of ASR Africa, Ubon Udoh, reaffirmed the organisation’s commitment to high safety standards and its support for initiatives aimed at enhancing community protection and operational efficiency.
The Service urged members of the public to report fire incidents and emergencies through its national lines, 112 or 08032003557.
