In a proactive move to strengthen Nigeria’s emergency preparedness in high-risk and sensitive environments, the Controller-General of the Federal Fire Service, Olumode Samuel Adeyemi, led a high-level delegation to the headquarters of the Nigeria Atomic Energy Commission (NAEC) in Abuja.
The visit underscores a critical national priority—ensuring that Nigeria’s expanding atomic energy and research infrastructure is supported by a robust and specialised fire and emergency response system, particularly in the event of nuclear or radiological incidents.
Speaking during the engagement, the Controller-General highlighted the statutory responsibility of the Federal Fire Service to respond to all forms of fire and emergency situations, including those arising from hazardous and complex environments such as nuclear facilities. He noted that the evolving risk landscape requires continuous capacity building, specialised training, and strong inter-agency collaboration.
As part of the proposed partnership, the Controller-General assured that the Federal Fire Service is ready to provide dedicated fire safety coverage for NAEC’s research centres and facilities nationwide. This will include the deployment of trained firefighting personnel to critical installations, provision of tailored fire safety training for operational readiness, and sustained public safety awareness campaigns—all at no cost to the Commission.
He further emphasised that enhancing the capacity of firefighters to effectively respond to nuclear and radiological emergencies remains a key objective of the collaboration, ensuring that personnel are equipped with the knowledge and skills to operate safely and efficiently in such specialised environments.
In his remarks, the Acting Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of NAEC, Dr. Engr. Anthony L. G. Ekedegwa, welcomed the initiative, noting that both organisations share a common mandate of protecting lives, property, and critical national assets. He described the partnership as a strategic step towards strengthening safety standards across Nigeria’s nuclear and research facilities.
Dr. Ekedegwa also stressed the importance of capacity development, highlighting opportunities for Federal Fire Service personnel to benefit from international training programmes, particularly through the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), to enhance their competence in managing nuclear and radiological emergencies.
The meeting further emphasised the need for structured fire safety coverage across NAEC facilities nationwide, including the proper deployment of personnel to ensure the effective utilisation of fire trucks and other firefighting equipment.