The Federal Fire Service FFS of Nigeria has asked for a N9.2 billion special intervention fund from the federal government to enable it release its mandates creditably. Ibrahim Alhaji Liman Controller General of the Service, who made the appeal Tuesday in Abuja at the commissioning of 12 newly-procured fire fighting trucks, lamented how the service had in the past employed the services of prayer warriors to fight fire incidences.
Liman said; “This event is an attestation of a positive
transformational development which started in the Federal Fire Service since
the inception of the administration of President Muhammadu Buhari. You may
recall that sometimes in 2017, 44 modern firefighting vehicles and water
tankers were Commissioned in line with the safety projects of this
administration.
“Today, Mr. President is commissioning 12 out of the
forty-four (44) modern firefighting trucks approved by the Federal Executive
Council in 2017 and 2018. Although nineteen (19) out this balance is ready for
shipment and 13 at finishing stages of production, the Service cannot take
delivery of this equipment due to cuts in the 2018 and 2019 Federal Fire
Service Capital budget proposal.
“The federal government is committed to continue to fight against insecurity and corruption in the country with a view to developing the achievements in economy.” He added that the Federal Fire Service, as one of the Security Agencies of government, shall be provided with the necessary tools required to protected National Assets and Critical Infrastructure, “thus enhancing economic growth of our Nation.” Also, Georgina Ehuriah Permanent Secretary Ministry of Interior, , urged the staff to redouble their efforts.
“This is in spite of all appeal made to the appropriate authorities to retain the Service’s budget as proposed. It is in this regard that I am seeking the intervention of Mr. President through the Secretary to the Government of the Federation for special intervention funds in the sum of N9.20 billion to enable delivery of the remaining equipment as it will go a long way in addressing the fire fighting mobile asset deficit across the country,” he appealed.
“I want to seize this opportunity to urge the men and women of the service to use this auspicious occasion to rededicate themselves to hard work, commitment in order to ensure improved service to Nigerians in the area of fire prevention, firefighting and the safe guard of lives and property. “Let me also implore the service, that as achieve the improvement of firefighting infrastructure and capability at the headquarters, they should not forget to extend same to the zones, states and the private.
