The Federal Fire Service (FFS) has renewed its appeal for robust collaboration with the private sector as part of efforts to address pressing challenges within Nigeria’s fire emergency and rescue framework.
The Controller General of the Federal Fire Service, Olumode Samuel Adeyemi, made this known during a strategic engagement with BUA Group under the Abdul Samad Rabiu Africa Initiative in Abuja. He underscored critical gaps such as inadequate fire station coverage, shortage of modern firefighting equipment, and limited emergency medical response capacity, all of which hinder effective and timely intervention during fire incidents and related emergencies.
According to him, improving emergency response time is a matter of urgency that directly impacts the protection of lives and property. He stressed that expanding the network of fire stations across the country, alongside strengthening emergency medical services, must be treated as key national priorities.
While commending ASR Africa for its proactive investment in safety measures, including the establishment of a private fire station, the Controller General emphasized the need for a more coordinated system. He noted that aligning private firefighting initiatives with national standards would significantly enhance operational efficiency and overall emergency response outcomes.
He further explained that deeper collaboration between the Federal Fire Service and ASR Africa would pave the way for joint simulation exercises, operational drills, and structured training programmes for personnel. Such partnerships, he added, would also extend to community sensitisation initiatives aimed at equipping citizens with practical fire safety knowledge and strengthening grassroots preparedness.
The Controller General also highlighted the urgent need to scale up emergency medical services within the Service, noting that the current fleet of ambulances is insufficient to meet the growing demands across the country. He called for sustained private sector investment to support infrastructure development, capacity building, and modernisation of the nation’s fire emergency system.
In his response, the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of ASR Africa, Ubon Udoh, reaffirmed the organisation’s commitment to upholding high safety standards and supporting initiatives that promote community protection and operational excellence.
Members of the public are advised to promptly contact the Federal Fire Service in the event of fire or related emergencies through the national emergency lines: 112 or 08032003557.