The Controller General, Federal Fire Service (FFS) Engr Abdulganiyu Jaji has cautioned Nigerians against overfilling their oil pan while cooking Sallah meals.
The fire service boss stated this in a statement he personally signed on Thursday in Abuja.
He said Muslim women traditionally in charge of festive meals should ensure cooking oil never exceeds one-third of the pan to avoid kitchen fires.
He said, “Cooking is at the heart of our Sallah celebrations, but it’s also where most accidental home fires begin. During festivals like Eid al-Adha, the risks increase as families prepare larger meals at different hours of the day.”
The fire chief congratulated Muslims nationwide on the festive occasion, but also urged everyone to keep safety front and center.
He encouraged homes to be equipped with fire extinguishers, fire blankets, and smoke detectors, and reminded Nigerians to turn off stoves and electrical appliances before stepping out.
Roasting of animals, a cherished Sallah tradition, should be done in open spaces, he emphasized, and gas cylinders must be stored outside the kitchen at all times. Parents were also warned to keep children away from open flames or matches.
The CG didn’t stop at household warnings. He also addressed potential road and water travel hazards associated with the holiday season. Tanker and trailer drivers were advised to reduce speed and obey traffic rules to help prevent unnecessary bloodshed on the roads.
For those traveling by water, Jaji called on boat operators to be cautious of water current levels and to avoid overloading vessels, which is common causes of fatal accidents during busy holiday seasons.
“We may be ready to respond at any time,” Jaji said, “but what we truly want is for Nigerians to stay safe and avoid emergencies altogether.”
The Fire Service, he assured, will remain fully operational throughout the holiday, with personnel on high alert and rapid response plans in place.
As a final appeal, the FFS boss urged Nigerians to report any fire outbreak or emergency to the nearest fire station or via designated emergency hotlines without delay.
“This celebration is about peace, unity, and gratitude. Let’s keep it that way, free of fire incidents and full of joy.”
Never miss a moment! Get the stories shaping Nigeria, delivered straight to your phone. Follow Peoplesdaily Newspaper on WhatsApp for breaking news, exclusive reports, and the headlines everyone will be talking about, before anyone else.
