The Federal Fire Service, FCT Command, had reaffirmed its readiness and capacity to respond swiftly to emergencies involving fuel and other hazardous materials.
This is because the residents of the Federal Capital Territory have been assured of strong protection against petrol-related fire incidents.
The assurance was given on Monday by the Controller of the FCT Command, Muhammed Anas, during a courtesy visit to the Command’s headquarters in Kubwa by the Petroleum Products Retail Outlet Owners Association of Nigeria (PETROAN).
Anas said the command is fully equipped with personnel and firefighting equipment to handle all categories of emergencies, stressing that public safety remains a top priority for the service.
He also highlighted ongoing preventive measures, including public sensitisation campaigns, strict enforcement of safety standards, and collaboration with key stakeholders in the petroleum sector to reduce fire risks across the territory.
According to him, many fire incidents linked to petroleum products are avoidable, adding that negligence and poor adherence to safety procedures remain the major causes of such outbreaks.
He warned that strict compliance with established safety standards must be taken seriously, especially by operators in the petroleum retail sector, noting that careless handling of fuel continues to pose a major threat to lives and property.
Anas also drew attention to the role of the Inspectorate and Enforcement (IIE) unit of the Command, explaining that it is specifically mandated to ensure full compliance with fire safety regulations across petrol stations and related facilities.
He assured stakeholders that command personnel remain fully alert, well-trained, and adequately equipped to respond to emergencies at any time, adding that the service is committed to protecting both lives and infrastructure within the FCT.
Reinforcing the command’s safety message, he stated that prevention remains the most effective approach to fire management and urged operators to prioritise safety measures rather than waiting for emergencies.
Speaking earlier, the FCT Interim Coordinator of PETROAN, Engr. Abraham Okpani said the association recognises its critical role in the petroleum distribution chain and remains committed to ensuring safety and professionalism across all retail outlets.
He explained that PETROAN’s visit aimed to strengthen collaboration with the fire service to improve safety practices and reduce risks associated with petroleum handling.
Key areas of discussion during the engagement included regular training for station personnel, strict adherence to standard operating procedures, improved emergency preparedness, proper maintenance of firefighting equipment, and better visibility of safety information at service stations.
Both parties agreed on the need for stronger cooperation through joint safety inspections, capacity-building programmes, and improved communication channels to ensure faster response to emergencies and better prevention of fire outbreaks across the FCT.
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