A civil society, pressure group, non-profit, and anti-corruption organization—the Guild of Civil Societies and Media Executives for Equity, Justice and Transparency in Nigeria (GOCMEJ)—has applauded and commended the transformational philosophy, paradigm shift, and institutional reforms currently being entrenched by the new leadership of the Federal Fire Service (FFS) under the Controller-General, Samuel Adeyemi Olumode.

The Guild commended the rebranding and repositioning efforts of the Service, coupled with the high esprit de corps, improved morale of officers and men, discipline, and promotions across board within the Federal Fire Service( FFS). These efforts include the commissioning of modern fire trucks and vehicles to reduce incessant fire emergencies, advocacy on fire safety policies nationwide, and the enforcement of fire equipment installation in buildings across the country. GOCMEJ stressed that the timely delivery of fire-fighting equipment and the retraining of officers by the current leadership are commendable developments deserving the support of all well-meaning Nigerians.

According to a press statement issued by the Country Director and Secretary, Comrade Zubaida Aliyu Muhammed, the gender-friendly management of the Service has appointed the first-ever female Deputy Controller-General since the inception of the Federal Fire Service. This novel and laudable step, the Guild noted, aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which promotes inclusive female participation in governance.

The statement further affirmed that the disciplinary measures introduced by the present management, alongside its zero-tolerance stance on corruption and laxity, have significantly boosted personnel morale and commitment to duty, endearing the Service to its workforce like never before.

Drawing from the achievements of past administrations and the strong resolve of the current leadership to consolidate existing development programmes, the statement highlighted enhanced advocacy for fire-fighting equipment in buildings, effective implementation of fire policies and safety measures, seamless Public-Private Partnerships (PPP), and robust inter-agency collaboration with sister security agencies. These initiatives have strengthened the Service into a viable, accountable, and sustainable institution that meets global best practises in performance and service delivery.

The Guild emphasized that the present management has upgraded the Fire Academy and Disaster Management Institutions to boost capacity and manpower development. It also commended the approval of local and international training programmes, seminars, and courses for officers. Special recognition was given to the establishment of a state-of-the-art Procurement Department, which has enhanced transparency, due process, and efficiency in contracting and disbursement processes.

Consequently, GOCMEJ endorsed the continued collaboration and partnerships with agencies such as NEMA, EFCC, NSCDC, the private sector, and the general public. These collaborations have enhanced public sensitization on disaster management, fire safety policies, and emergency response procedures, creating a win-win situation for all stakeholders. The Guild noted that the transparent and ethical mechanisms adopted by the present leadership have further endeared Nigerians to the Service.

The statement reiterated that the current management has turned around the fortunes of the Federal Fire Service by repositioning infrastructural development, improving equipment maintenance, and strengthening due process mechanisms to curb abuse of standards. These reforms have significantly enhanced productivity and efficiency in the workplace, earning the Service recognition as one of the best places to work within the paramilitary sector due to improved human capacity, a conducive work environment, and high staff morale.
GOCMEJ also recalled that Nigerians have recently expressed pride in the improved response time of the Fire Service to emergencies and accidents, thereby reducing fire-related disasters in homes and offices across the country.

Worthy of mention is the innovative initiative of establishing fire stations within major markets nationwide. Meanwhile, the Investigation, Inspectorate, and Enforcement (IIE) Division continues to inspect markets and public buildings to ensure compliance with fire safety standards. The management is also intensifying public enlightenment through paid announcements and advertorials, educating Nigerians on fire prevention practices, such as switching off electrical appliances after business hours and remaining vigilant at all times.

In conclusion, GOCMEJ called for an increase in the national budgetary allocation to the Federal Fire Service(FFS) in view of its critical role in mitigating fire disasters. The Guild also urged international organizations, public-spirited individuals, and corporate bodies to support, partner, and collaborate with the Service on long-term strategic initiatives aimed at fire disaster prevention, capacity building, ICT development, and manpower enhancement for improved productivity.