FEMD moves to mitigate fire emergencies

The FCT Emergency Management Department (FEMD) has taken initiative to mitigate the growing risks associated with fire-extinguisher-related emergencies and gas explosions, often triggered by regulatory lapses, counterfeit products, and unsafe practices in both formal and informal sectors

To this end, FEMD has inaugurated the Nigeria Fire Extinguisher Control (NFEC) and its integrated component, the Gas Explosion Prevention System (GEPS), at the its Headquarters in Asokoro, Abuja.

Director General of FEMD, Engr. Abdulrahman Mohammed explained that the NFEC initiative is a direct and strategic response to the threats discovered, seeking to sanitize the fire extinguisher ecosystem by addressing issues such as illegal re-pressurization of fire extinguishers, adulterated or defiled units, and unauthorized vendors who endanger lives through negligence and fraud.

He added that the GEPS complements NFEC by proactively reducing the frequency and severity of gas-related disasters.

“By tackling these challenges, NFEC aims to ensure that fire extinguishers are reliable, functional, and safely maintained, thereby reducing the risk of fire-related emergencies.

“This initiative introduces a safety-first protocol for gas retailers and consumers, ensuring gas vendor training and joint enforcement across the LPG distribution value chain”.

According to him, the initiative demonstrates the FCT Emergency Management Department’s commitment to protecting lives and property from fire and gas explosions.

He added that by introducing advanced technology and enforcing safety protocols, the agency aims to create a safer environment for residents and businesses in the FCT.

Also speaking, the National Coordinator of NFEC, Mr. Benson  Olatunji, noted that the inauguration of NFEC and GEPS is a response to the increasing incidences of fire extinguisher and gas explosions, which have resulted in preventable loss of lives.

He emphasized that the initiative aims to ensure through a  well organized system that every fire extinguisher is identified and tracked and  enable swift prosecution in case of failures.

He opined that expired cylinders that are unable to hold pressure are a major cause of gas explosions, and weak and locally fabricated cylinders are also significant contributors to these incidents.

Olatunji added that the  initiative is to create an all-inclusive platform to sensitize the public on these threatening issues and find solutions to them, ultimately saving lives.

On his part,  the Controller in charge of Inspection, Investigation, and Enforcement Department of the Federal Fire Service, Mr. Anas Suleiman revealed that it has been discovered that fire extinguishers are being used to commit atrocities lately, thus the reason for the gathering  to sanitize the system from bad elements who hijack extinguishers to commit crimes.

He advised residents to always patronize registered and authorized bodies when purchasing either fire extinguishers or gas, for their own safety.

Some of the stakeholders present at the event included representatives from the Nigerian Army, FCT Fire Service, Federal Fire Service, VIO, The FCT Police Command, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps and the National Emergency Management Agency, among others.