RMAFC boss calls for heightened fire safety awareness, harps on needs to prevent incident

By Mariam Abeeb

The Chairman of the Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC), Dr. Mohammed Bello Shehu OFR has called for heightened fire safety awareness and preparedness among staff of the Commission, stressing the need for collective responsibility in preventing fire incidents and protecting lives and property.

The Dr. Bello who who was represented by the Secretary to the Commission, Comrade Tosin Johnson Adeyanjo, made the call while delivering the opening remarks at a fire safety training organised for staff of the Commission on at the M.B. Shehu Auditorium, RMAFC Headquarters, Abuja.

The Chairman, who emphasised the importance of the training, noted that fire incidents could occur unexpectedly and have devastating consequences if not properly managed.

He urged staff to take the knowledge acquired during the training seriously and apply it both in the workplace and at home. “Fire safety is a shared responsibility and everyone has a role to play in preventing fire outbreaks and responding appropriately when they occur.” He said

The Chairman reiterated his commitment to maintaining a safe working environment at the Commission and therefore urged the staff to be cautious, particularly in the use of electrical appliances, handling of combustible materials and observance of emergency procedures.

In his remarks, the Director, Technical Services Department of the Commission, Mr. Osanyamen Olaye who organised the training stressed the importance of equipping staff with practical knowledge of fire prevention and response, observed that most fire disasters are preventable when people are properly informed, prepared and aew conscious of their environment.

Mr. Olaye reaffirmed the Commission’s commitment to promoting a safe working environment and ensuring that its personnel are adequately equipped with the knowledge required to prevent and respond effectively to fire emergencies.

He encouraged participants to pay adequate attention to the training and share the knowledge gained with colleagues in their respective departments.

The Director disclosed that the objective was not only to create awareness but also to build a safety-conscious workforce capable of responding appropriately during emergencies.

The training, conducted by officials of the Federal Fire Service, covered the causes and classification of fire outbreak, fire prevention measures, safe evacuation procedures and the appropriate use of fire extinguishers.

Participants were also educated on the fire triangle heat, fuel and oxygen, and how removing any one of the three elements can help to extinguish a fire.

The trainers emphasised the importance of good housekeeping, responsible use of electrical appliances, proper storage of flammable materials and regular maintenance of fire safety equipment.

Staff were also cautioned against attempting to fight fires that had progressed beyond the incipient stage, with emphasis placed on immediate evacuation and contacting the Fire Service when necessary.

The session also featured practical demonstrations on different types of fire extinguishers and their appropriate applications, as well as guidance on emergency exits, fire safety equipment and general workplace preparedness.

Some of the participants intervieed eulogised the Commission for organising such a training workshop and promised to make good use of the knowledge acquired.

The occassion was also witnessed by the Deputy Director of Technical Services Department, Mr. Okon Ante and the Deputy Director administration Mr. Ebenezer Jaiye Igbekele.