The Federal Government has issued a stern warning to personnel of the Federal Fire Service (FFS) against engaging in job racketeering in the ongoing recruitment exercise.

Controller-General of the Service (CG), Olumode Adeyemi, gave the warning during an interaction with officers and staff while on a working visit to the Abuja Metropolitan Fire Station and Wuse Fire Station in the Federal Capital Territory.

Adeyemi stressed that any staff member caught engaging in job racketeering would face immediate dismissal.

“No job racketeering. Any staff or personnel involved will be shown the way out. I have drawn a line—if your name is mentioned, you will go for it. There is no sacred cow,” he declared.

The CG also spoke on improved welfare packages, noting that allowances have now been consolidated into the salary structure.

“We are enjoying the consolidated comparability salary structure. Uniform allowance, torchlight allowance, and others are embedded in the salary package,” he explained.

Adeyemi emphasized that welfare benefits come with a duty of discipline, given the paramilitary nature of the Service.

“If you are enjoying welfare, you must also be disciplined. You must promote the name of the Service,” he said.

On capacity building, he announced the introduction of a new curriculum and mandatory training as prerequisites for promotion.

He also revealed ongoing plans for a world-class fire academy to be harmonized with other paramilitary institutions.

He explained: “We have a new curriculum. To move from one grade level to another, there are specific courses and training you must undergo. Capacity training is now an entitlement for all staff.”

The CG further disclosed that blacklisted communities, previously sanctioned for attacking firefighters and firetrucks, are being reconsidered after appeals.

“We’ve set up a committee to discuss with such communities. They will give a written undertaking to protect our men and equipment before our services are restored,” he said.

Calling for renewed dedication to duty, Adeyemi described firefighting as a calling rather than just a job.

“You are not just fighting fire to earn a salary. You are fighting fire to save lives, homes, communities and properties,” he told his officers. (The Guardian)