By Palma Ileye
Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Interior, Dr. Shuaib Belgore, has tasked the Federal Fire Service, FFS to be efficient while performing its duties also directing the Controller General, to commence necessary arrangement for completion of work to enable timely commissioning of the projects.
Belgore during an inspection of on-going projects at the National Fire Academy Sheda; said that the projects will further contribute to the safety of lives and protection of properties of Nigerians and foreigners alike.
Giving a general overview of all inspected projects, he described the various works at the National Federal Academy, Sheda as impressive and thereafter directed the Controller General of the Federal Service to commence immediate arrangement for their commissioning; for Nigerians to start reaping the benefits of Government investment in these projects.
He also stated that under the 8 years Administration of President Muhammadu Buhari, the Federal Fire Service had experienced considerable leap in terms of funding and provision of infrastructural facilities compared to the state of affairs before the advent of this administration.
Noting that the Federal Fire Service wass presently, grossly under staffed, he disclosed that his Ministry has written to the presidency for approval to recruit more hands to for optimal improvements in safety and rescue operations against impending disaster.
Permanent Secretary expressed satisfaction with general quality and level of job done concerning the inspected projects and called for fasttracking of remaining works to pave way for early commissioning.
In his response, the Controller General of the Federal Fire Service, Engr Jaji Abdulganiyu, explained that aside the National Fire Academy in Sheda, Abuja it has an Annex in Lagos.
Jaji also added that the Service has six Training Schools spread across the six geo-political zones of the country in Kankiya – Katsina State, Maiduguri in Borno state, Minna in Niger State, Ummahia in Abia State, Calabar in Cross River state and Abeokuta in Ogun State.
He promised to do the needful towards total completion of the remaing jobs and timely commissioning of the projects as directed by the Permanent Secretary.
The inspected projects includes the Adminstrative Building which has attained 50 percent completion while the Fire House Complex has reached100 percent completion, the execution level of the Breaking Apparatus Gallery Building is also put at 90 percent.
Other projects he inspected include the Multi Purpose Hall Building, the Staff Clinic, Male and Female Hostels, and the Common Room all of which have been completed and awaiting commissioning.