By Philip Yatai
The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Fire Service says the current operational framework of the fire router system is undergoing comprehensive administrative and technical review for possible upgrade to improve efficiency.
The Director of the service, ACG Zaccheaus Adebayo disclosed this while briefing newsmen in Abuja on Tuesday.
Adebayo said that the news conference was to inform members of the public and all subscribers using the fire router system about the ongoing administrative and technical review.
He said that the router was introduced in collaboration with a technical service provider, Prime Alert Secure Ltd in 2024, under the FCT Fire Emergency Monitoring Gateway project.
He explained that the router allowed real-time fire detection, instant alert transmissions to control rooms, and drastically reduced response times.
According to him, the review is to ensure continued operation of the systems in line with the fire service’s strategic objectives, operational standards, and the overall public interest.
He added that the routers were produced some years ago and needed to be upgraded to serve residents better in view of current development in the technological space.
”We want to match up with this development. So we may replace some devices that hibernate for a short period of time with new ones to ensure optimal service and value for money.
”Therefore existing users are kindly advised to retain their installed fire router devices pending further official guidance from the service,” he said.
The FCT fire director advised members of the public to exercise patience as service continuity and future operational arrangements were being carefully evaluated.
He added that subscribers, whose service subscriptions were approaching renewal, should seek clarification through the official communication channels of the FCT fire service before entering into long-term subscription commitments.
”We assure all residents, organisations, institutions, and subscribers that every decision concerning the fire router service will be guided by the overriding objective of enhancing public safety and service delivery,” he said.
The director urged members of the public to continue to report fire emergencies without hesitation, stressing that the emergency fire reporting and response services of the service remained fully operational.
He appealed for substantial institutional support and increased government attention to enable the service deliver on its mandate and serve FCT residents better.
Adebayo stressed the need to modernise and replace ageing operational equipment and firefighting appliances that have served beyond their optimal operational lifespan.
He also appealed for increased funding to strengthen emergency preparedness, operational efficiency, maintenance of equipment, and expansion of fire prevention programs.
He further called for continuous capacity development and specialised local and international training for firefighters to equip them with modern firefighting techniques, rescue operations, hazardous materials management, and emergency response strategies.
He emphasised the need to recruit additional personnel to address the growing demands of the rapidly expanding FCT and improve emergency response coverage.
”Acquisition of modern firefighting equipment, aerial ladder platforms, water tenders, breathing apparatus, communication systems, drones for emergency assessment, and other contemporary firefighting technologies are also needed to improve our operational capacity and efficiency.
”The evolving nature of urban development, high-rise buildings, industrial facilities, transportation infrastructure, and population growth demands a corresponding investment in emergency response capabilities.
”A well-equipped Fire Service is not an expenditure; it is an investment in public safety, economic stability, investor confidence, and national resilience,” he said.
He assured residents of the service commitment to professionalism, transparency, innovation, and continuous improvement. (NAN)
Edited by Deborah Coker