The Controller General of the Federal Fire Service (FFS), Olumode Samuel Adeyemi, has ordered a nationwide no-leave, no-holiday policy for all officers and men of the Service throughout the harmattan season and the yuletide period.
The directive, aimed at ensuring full operational readiness to tackle fire outbreaks and related emergencies common during the dry season, was issued during a virtual meeting with Zonal Controllers. At the meeting, the Controller General also launched the nationwide Harmattan Fire Safety Campaign, a preventive initiative designed to reduce fire incidents associated with dry weather conditions and increased festive activities.
Adeyemi warned members of the public against the use of fireworks, bush burning, and the unsafe storage or transportation of flammable materials, noting that such practices significantly heighten fire risks during harmattan. He stressed that prevention remains the most effective means of protecting lives, property, and critical infrastructure.
To enhance preparedness, the Controller General directed all zones to submit reports on the operational status of firefighting appliances within their jurisdictions. He also announced plans to establish a Harmattan Monitoring Task Force to track incidents, enforce safety compliance, and coordinate emergency response throughout the season.
In addition, zonal and state commands were instructed to carry out fire safety inspections at worship centres, particularly during festive gatherings, and to intensify public awareness and sensitisation campaigns. The Controller General further emphasised the need for inter-agency collaboration, directing commands to work closely with sister security and emergency agencies and to share intelligence to improve prevention, early warning, and rapid response.
The meeting reaffirmed the Federal Fire Service’s commitment to remaining proactive, fully mobilised, and responsive in safeguarding lives and property nationwide during the high-risk harmattan period.
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