Fijabi Olanrewaju
IN a strategic move to enhance inter-agency collaboration, the Controller General (CG) of Federal Fire Service, Engr. Jaji O. Abdulganiyu,, alongside top management staff of the Service, paid a courtesy visit to the Corps Marshal of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Shehu Mohammed, at the FRSC headquarters in Abuja.
The visit aimed at strengthening synergy between both agencies, particularly in addressing the rising cases of fuel tanker crashes leading to devastating fires, causing significant loss of lives and property across the country. 
Discussions focused on joint strategies to mitigate these incidents, enhance emergency response, and improve public safety on Nigerian roads.
During the meeting, the Controller General of the FFS emphasized the need for collaborative public safety campaigns, especially during the dry season, and highlighted critical concerns, including:
- The inability of officers to check the functionality of portable car extinguishers,
- The way forward in tackling fuel tanker explosion hazards, and
- The security of operational officers during emergency response.
In his remarks, the CG pointed out that both agencies share a common mandate — to protect lives and property, particularly on the nation’s roads — hence, the need for stronger synergy.
Both agencies explored various avenues for capacity-building programmes, including:
- Specialised training for FRSC personnel on the use and enforcement of portable car fire extinguishers.
- Joint emergency response drills to better equip officers in handling road crash fire incidents.
- Public awareness campaigns on fire risks associated with road crashes, starting with a pilot programme in the FCT to set an example for other regions.
The Corps Marshal of the FRSC welcomed the collaboration, describing it as timely and crucial in reducing road crashes and their aftermath. He assured the FFS of the Corps’ commitment to enforcing fire safety standards through joint advocacy efforts and emergency response initiatives, particularly during festive seasons when road traffic increases.
Additionally, the Corps Marshal, as he showed his appreciation for the visit, requested:
- A joint enforcement operation between the FFS and FRSC to ensure compliance with both fire and road safety mandates across Nigerian roads.
At the end of the meeting, both leaders reaffirmed their commitment to a coordinated approach in tackling fire outbreaks from tanker accidents and enhancing road safety measures to protect lives and property.
The Federal Fire Service says it remains committed to fostering strong institutional partnerships to ensure a safer and more fire-resilient Nigeria.
Eighteen-Eleven Media