By Kelechi Ogunleye
The Federal Fire Service (FFS), FCT Command, has blamed recurring fire outbreaks in the country, especially in Abuja and environs, on negligence and lapses in fire safety practices.
The FFS FCT Controller, Mr Muhammed Anas, said this when members of the Petroleum Products Retail Outlet Owners Association of Nigeria (PETROAN), paid him a courtesy visit in Abuja on Monday
Anas said that many fire outbreaks and explosions were to a great extent preventable; if, appropriate fire safety precautions were adhered to.
He said that there was the need for stricter adherence to safety standards, emphasising that, “careless handling of petroleum products remained a major cause of fire incidents in Nigeria”.
He further urged dealers in petroleum and gas to prioritise prevention rather than reaction, emphasising: ‘Fire prevention is better than fire fighting’.
Anas also said that the command had capacity, both in personnel and equipment resources, to respond to all types of fire emergencies.
He said that the command would continue to conduct public sensitisation, enforcement of safety standards and effective collaboration with key stakeholders to ensure petroleum-related fires are prevented.
Anas appreciated the association for its visit and efforts made towards ensuring safety within the petroleum sector.
Earlier, the FCT Interim Coordinator of PETROAN, Mr Abraham Okpani, said that the purpose of the visit was to strengthen collaboration between both organisations.
Okpani said that PETROAN, being a critical player in the petroleum supply chain, remained committed to promoting safety and operational discipline across retail petroleum outlets.
He said that it was imperative to establish specialised training programmes and improve communication channels between petrol station owners and the FFS to ensure swift emergency response.
“We want improved and strict compliance with Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), improved emergency alertness and proper maintenance of firefighting equipment in our stations and outlets,” the FCT PETROAN coordinator said. (NAN)(www.nannews,ng)
Edited by Stanley Nwanosike/Bayo Sekoni
