The Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, has said Nigeria as regional leader in fire safety coupled with its population, would need about 500,000 firefighters to provide safety and prevent fire incidents across the country.

Tunji Ojo said currently, the Tinubu administration is investing heavily in fire safety infrastructures and training programmes in the country to enable Nigeria to stand its ground as a regional leader.

The Minister made the remarks in Abuja when the Chairman, Council of Chiefs, Kwali Area Council in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), His Royal Highness Etsu Luka Ayedo Nizassan III, and the Chairman, Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON) FCT Chapter, Hon. Danladi Chiya, visited him.

He said Nigeria is too important a player on the continent to continue sending people abroad for fire services training.

He said: “We believe that other countries should be coming here for capacity building. 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.

“Countries with similar economic standings have already achieved robust firefighting capacities, and Nigeria should be no different. Our objective is not just to have a good solution, but the best solution for Nigerians.”

According to him, plans are underway to expand the National Fire Academy in Abuja. The Minister noted that the current landmass of the academy needs to be increased to accommodate the large-scale training required.

“Fire academies around the world are massive, and ours should reflect the same. We are considering partnerships with the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board and other agencies to explore domestic production of essential fire safety equipment, such as fire extinguishers, fire alarms and sprinkler systems,” the Minister said.

He emphasised that the expansion is not just about human capacity development but also about industrialising parts of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). “We believe the essence of government is to add value, and by localizing the production of fire safety products, we will be doing just that,” he said.

A statement by the Director of Press in the ministry, Mr Ozoya Imohimi, also quoted the minister as saying that the government is considering relocating the Karshi Correctional Centre to a more suitable site that would facilitate agricultural activities, thereby reducing the cost of feeding inmates.

“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.

“The existing facility at Karshi will not be wasted; it may be repurposed, possibly as an academy, as it does not meet security requirements for a correctional centre,” Tunji-Ojo explained.

His Royal Highness, Etsu Luka Ayedo Nizassan III, advocated for local representation in recruitment processes, particularly for the youth in his chiefdom.

“Our community is predominantly youthful, with many qualified individuals ready to serve. However, adherence to the Federal Character principle has not been consistent, allowing people to present certificates of indigeneity from other areas, thus taking opportunities away from our people,” he lamented. (The Nation)

Update news