FCT FIRE SERVICE AND INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION DEPARTMENT STRENGTHEN COLLABORATION ON PUBLIC SAFETY AWARENESS
By: Prudence Okonna
The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA), through its Department of Information and Communication, has pledged stronger collaboration with the FCT Fire Service to enhance public awareness of fire safety, prevention and emergency response across the Territory.
The Director of Information and Communication, Mr Anthony Ogunleye, gave the assurance when the Acting Assistant Controller-General of the FCT Fire Service, Engr. Adeshina Abioye, led a delegation of the Service on a courtesy visit to the Department on Tuesday, 10th November.
Ogunleye said the Department was committed to supporting the Fire Service in projecting its activities and communicating vital safety information to residents through its various media platforms.
He acknowledged the need to bridge existing information gaps between the two organisations, particularly in the dissemination of accurate information during fire incidents, including casualty figures and emergency response activities.
According to him, effective information sharing will ensure that residents are adequately informed about the activities of the Fire Service and appreciate its contributions to public safety.
He explained that the Department would leverage its publications, including Abuja Digest, its online platforms and podcast, to publicise the Service’s activities, adding that such media support would be provided at no cost.
The Director also invited the Fire Service leadership to feature on the Department’s podcast to educate residents on fire prevention, emergency preparedness and the services available to them.
He further proposed collaboration on fire safety sensitisation and drills in schools, hospitals, markets and other public institutions, noting that the involvement of the FCTA Education and Health Secretariats would strengthen the initiative.
Earlier, Abioye said the visit was aimed at renewing the existing relationship between the two organisations and exploring ways of improving public communication about the operations and achievements of the Fire Service.
He emphasised that information dissemination was central to the Service’s mandate, noting that its operational capacity would have limited public impact if residents were not adequately informed about its activities and emergency contact channels.
The Acting Assistant Controller-General disclosed that the Service currently operates 18 functional fire stations across the FCT, with at least one station in each of the six Area Councils and the remaining stations located within the city metropolis.
He also highlighted ongoing institutional reforms aimed at repositioning the Service, including the expansion of its organisational structure to accommodate additional units such as monitoring, investigation, inspection, and estate and facility development.
According to him, the Service has also created opportunities for qualified officers to advance professionally and attain higher leadership positions within the organisation.
Abioye further disclosed plans to reposition the FCT Fire Service as a revenue-generating institution, explaining that the Service was exploring opportunities to strengthen its role in enforcing fire safety standards in building development and other relevant areas.
On preventive measures, he said the Service was intensifying its fire safety sensitisation programmes, particularly as the Territory enters the dry season, when rising temperatures and increased use of electrical appliances could heighten the risk of fire outbreaks.
He announced plans to commence fire prevention sensitisation across FCTA departments and agencies, beginning with the Department of Information and Communication.
Adding that the programme will also extend to FCT Christian and Muslim pilgrims welfare boards, filling stations, schools, hospitals, hospitality establishments and communities.
He stressed that fire prevention remained more cost-effective than emergency response, which requires substantial resources and exposes personnel to operational risks.
Abioye also pledged to reactivate fire safety clubs in schools to build early awareness among pupils and encourage them to advocate for safety at home and in their communities.
In addition, he highlighted the importance of strengthening relationships with health facilities to ensure prompt medical attention for fire service personnel injured in the course of duty.
As part of the collaboration, Ogunleye announced the constitution of an interdepartmental committee involving the Department of Information and Communication and representatives of the Education, Agriculture and Health Secretariats to coordinate engagement with the Fire Service.
The committee is expected to serve as a platform for sustained information exchange, public sensitisation and the coordination of fire safety programmes across the FCTA.
The Fire Service delegation also presented the Department with its emergency contact directory, containing telephone numbers of its various stations across the Territory, to facilitate wider dissemination and improve public access to emergency assistance.
The visit ended with a mutual commitment by both organisations to strengthen institutional cooperation and promote a safer FCT through effective communication, public education and proactive fire prevention.
