FG mulls introduction of private firefighters

The Federal Government is considering expanding the National Fire Academy’s scope to include the training and certification of private firefighters to help address fire incidents across the country. This initiative, if implemented, would lead to the emergence of private firefighters in Nigeria.

Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, made this announcement after his first official inspection tour of the academy. He emphasized that the fire service could certify private firefighters in a manner similar to how the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps certifies private guards.

Tunji-Ojo stressed the importance of private firefighters in enhancing the fire service’s operations and response times. He noted that private firefighters would play a crucial role in improving fire safety and response in the country.

He further mentioned that this initiative could also be a source of revenue generation, as individuals and institutions seeking to employ safety or security guards would need to have them trained and certified by the National Fire Academy.

The minister called on institutions, recreational centers, and various establishments to engage certified fire and safety personnel trained by the academy once this plan comes to fruition. He stressed the importance of making fire safety a personal responsibility, advocating for the presence of certified fire and safety personnel in public and commercial buildings, government facilities, and other infrastructure to administer basic fire-fighting measures while waiting for the arrival of the full fire service team.

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