Federal Government to Elevate Nigeria as Regional Leader in Fire Safety Training
In a decisive move to position Nigeria as a leading authority in fire safety training within Africa, the Federal Government has announced plans to significantly increase investment in fire safety infrastructure.
The strategic initiative aims to establish Nigeria as a hub for providing world-class fire safety solutions, not only to the African continent but to a global audience.
The Minister of Interior, Dr Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, revealed these plans on Thursday during a courtesy visit from His Royal Highness, Etsu Luka Ayedo Nizassan III, Chairman, Council of Chiefs, Kwali Area Council in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), and Hon. Danladi Chiya, Chairman, Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON) FCT Chapter, at his office in Abuja.
Dr. Tunji-Ojo reiterated Nigeria’s pivotal role on the African continent and stressed the need for the country to become self-sufficient in fire service training.
“Nigeria is too important a player on the continent to continue sending people abroad for fire services training. We believe that other countries should be coming here for capacity building,” the Minister stated.
He further outlined the ambitious goal of expanding Nigeria’s firefighting capacity to meet the demands of the nation’s size and population.
“Given Nigeria’s size and population, we need nothing less than 500,000 firefighters, including specialists in Emergency Medical Services (EMS), fire inspectors, and hazardous materials technicians,” Dr. Tunji-Ojo said.
He emphasized that Nigeria’s objective is not just to provide good solutions but the best solutions tailored to the needs of its people.
To achieve this vision, he said the Federal Government has initiated plans to expand the National Fire Academy in Abuja.
According to him, the current facility will be significantly enlarged to accommodate the large-scale training required to meet Nigeria’s ambitious firefighting goals.
The Minister pointed out that fire academies around the world are substantial in size, and Nigeria’s academy should be no different.
“The expansion is set to include partnerships with key agencies, such as the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board, to explore domestic production of essential fire safety equipment.
“This will not only enhance the academy’s capacity but also contribute to the industrialization of parts of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
“By localizing the production of fire safety products, we will be adding value and boosting our local economy,” Dr. Tunji-Ojo remarked.
In a related development, the Minister proposed relocating the Karshi Correctional Centre to a site more conducive to agricultural activities.
“This move is expected to reduce the cost of feeding inmates and contribute to the self-sustainability of correctional facilities.
“The current location of the correctional centre is risky due to its proximity to a hill. My vision for a mega correctional centre includes integrating agricultural development,” Dr. Tunji-Ojo explained.
Dr. Tunji-Ojo also reiterated the Ministry’s commitment to upholding the Federal Character principle, ensuring that all 36 states and the FCT are fairly represented.
“This commitment aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s broader vision for diversity and inclusion across government activities,” he added.
