By Eunice Orike
Federal capital territory (FCT) Fire service has called on the federal government to provide more funding and support to help improve its operations, warning that many of its firefighting vehicles and equipment have become old and are no longer working at their best.
The Director of the FCT Fire Service, Adebayo Z. Amiola, made the appeal while speaking on the challenges facing the agency.
He said the responsibility of protecting Abuja, the nation’s capital, requires a well-equipped and properly funded fire service.
According to him, Abuja is home to government institutions, foreign embassies, international organisations, key national assets, and millions of residents and visitors.
He said this makes it important for the FCT Fire Service to maintain high operational standards.
Amiola identified four major areas where government support is urgently needed.
He said many of the service’s firefighting trucks and other operational equipment have exceeded their useful lifespan and should be replaced immediately to improve emergency response.
The fire chief also appealed for continuous training for firefighters, both within Nigeria and abroad, to equip them with modern rescue techniques, hazardous materials management, and other advanced emergency response skills.
Amiola added that the service also requires modern firefighting technologies, including aerial ladder platforms, water tenders, breathing apparatus, and emergency assessment drones.
He noted that such equipment is already being used by the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service and would greatly improve firefighting operations in the FCT.
“A well-equipped fire service is not just a cost, it is an investment in public safety, economic growth, investor confidence and national resilience,” he said, urging the government and other stakeholders to support efforts to build a safer federal capital territory.
