In commemoration of International Firefighters’ Day, Fire Protection Association of Nigeria (FPAN) has called for the government to go into strategic partnership with fire services, in order to better cope with emergency and disaster risks.
This was the thrust of a Press Conference, held by FPAN, at Ikeja Fire Station, on Friday.
FPAN president, Shehu Dambatta, reported that in 2024, Nigeria recorded over 100 fire-related deaths and a loss estimated at 67.1billion naira in property, 30,000 lives saved, as well as properties estimated to be worth 1.94 trillion naira.
Dambatta, noted that irrespective of the occurrences, fire fighters were able to respond to them with glaring inadequacies in staffing, obsolete equipment and lack of platform for training and continuous professional development.
He, however, urged for the acknowledgement of their unwavering efforts and sacrifice in the midst of disaster.
“Today, we remember and honour the sacrifices they make, both big and small, responding to emergencies with unwavering determination, battling raging fires, rescuing people from perilous situations, or providing essential first aid. They are not just firefighters; they are heroes, protectors, and pillars of our communities.
“We also remember those who have made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty. Their legacy reminds us of the high cost of the safety we often take for granted,” he stated.
Chairman, Board of Fellow, FPAN, Engr. Peter Onyeri, appealed for more Fire fighters training, provision of the equipment, adding that a lot of fire fighters sustain all sorts of injuries and hazards to their health in line of duty.
“The government should provide adequate training for fire fighters so that their risk exposure will be reduced. They should be provided with personal protective equipment, improve on their welfare, specifically their remuneration and insurance because of the risks that they are exposed to, insurance has to come in to be able to take care of such hazards,” he appealed.
Mr Onyeri, further noted that firefighters contribute to the economy of the country by securing lives and properties. Hence , the need to honor and support them.
“The last statistics of 2024, the fire fighters were able to secure 1.97 trillion naira in terms of saving for properties towards the national GDP and then, they have saved lives in spite of fire incidents that happened across the country. They are making a huge contribution to the national economy. So, we are asking the government as it is done all over the world, that they should look in the direction of the fire services in Nigeria to give them what they need so that they would improve on their contributions to the national GDP,” he said.
Mr. Amodu Shakiru, lamented over the lack of cooperation by members of the public in Lagos state and several attacks by hoodlums during duty.
He said: “Basically, in Lagos, our own challenges are far much more than hoodlums attacks, false calls, the public not cooperating with us. This year in Lagos, we have witnessed attacks by hoodlums. Last year, we witnessed 578 false calls, away from the 1798 fire emergency.
We need the public in carrying out our duty. We should salute firefighters. It is self-care. It’s humanitarian. Salute the men who are running in during a fire outbreak to save lives and properties.”
[TheNation]