By Tunji Braimoh, Abuja

The Federal Fire Service (FFS) and the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) have reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening fire safety measures and emergency preparedness in Gombe State, as both institutions moved to enhance cooperation aimed at protecting lives, property and critical infrastructure.

The renewed partnership was highlighted during a courtesy visit by the State Controller of the Federal Fire Service, Gombe State Command, Deputy Controller of Fire (DCF) Suleiman Mohammed Suleiman, to the Central Bank of Nigeria’s Gombe Branch.

The fire service chief was received by the Branch Controller, Mr. Buba Yunusa Mubi, and members of the bank’s management team, who welcomed the initiative as a step towards improving institutional safety and emergency response mechanisms.

Speaking during the visit, DCF Suleiman stressed the importance of collaboration between the Federal Fire Service and key public institutions in promoting effective fire prevention and risk management.

He noted that the Federal Fire Service remains committed to building strong partnerships with organisations whose operations are critical to the nation’s economic and social stability.

According to him, proactive engagement and continuous safety awareness are essential in reducing fire incidents and ensuring prompt response when emergencies occur.

The state controller highlighted the core responsibilities of the Federal Fire Service, including fire prevention, inspection of facilities, rescue operations, emergency response coordination and public fire safety education.

He assured the Central Bank of the command’s readiness to provide professional support through fire risk assessments, safety audits, emergency planning and personnel training programmes designed to strengthen workplace safety.

Suleiman further emphasized that prevention remains the most effective strategy against fire disasters, urging institutions to maintain strict compliance with fire safety regulations and standards.

He added that regular inspections, staff sensitisation and emergency drills are critical components of an effective fire safety management system.

Responding, Mr. Buba Yunusa Mubi commended the Federal Fire Service for its professionalism and unwavering commitment to protecting lives and property across the country.

The CBN branch controller acknowledged the vital role played by the service in emergency management and disaster prevention, particularly in safeguarding critical national assets and infrastructure.

He pledged the bank’s continued cooperation with the Federal Fire Service and expressed confidence that the partnership would further enhance safety standards within the institution.

Mubi also reiterated the bank’s commitment to maintaining a secure and hazard-free working environment for staff, customers and visitors.

Both organisations used the meeting to discuss areas of mutual interest, including fire prevention strategies, emergency response coordination and the adoption of best practices in safety management.

The engagement also provided an opportunity to explore additional avenues for collaboration aimed at strengthening institutional resilience against fire-related incidents.

The visit underscores the growing recognition of inter-agency cooperation as a key factor in improving emergency preparedness and ensuring the protection of strategic public institutions in Gombe State.

Officials from both organisations expressed optimism that the strengthened partnership would contribute significantly to advancing fire safety awareness and enhancing the overall security of critical facilities within the state.