To position Nigeria as a regional leader in fire safety training in Africa that is able to provide global solution to global audience, the Federal Government is to invest more in fire safety infrastructure.
The Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, made this known on Thursday 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, paid him a courtesy visit at his office in Abuja.
Dr.Tunji-Ojo noted that Nigeria is too important a player on the continent to continue sending people abroad for fire services training. “We believe that other countries should be coming here for capacity building,” he stated.
He further added: “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,” he said.
To meet this target, 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.
As part of broader safety and efficiency improvements, the Minister proposed 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,” the Minister explained.
Dr.Tunji-Ojo also reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to the Federal Character provision by ensuring equitable representation of all 36 states and the FCT in line with the President’s commitment to diversity and inclusion. “This approach will ensure efficiency, equity, and fairness in all our activities,” he stated.
Earlier, 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 said.
The Royal father also offered to collaborate with the Ministry by providing land for the construction of staff quarters for National Fire Academy personnel and sponsoring youth training in safety management and fire extinguishing technologies.