…Ministry seeks presidency’s approval for recruitment of more staff
By Mohammed Mohammed
The Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Interior, Dr. Shuaib Belgore, on Tuesday directed the Controller General (CG) of the Federal Fire Service (FFS), Engr. Jaji Abdulganiyu, to expedite action to complete the ongoing projects at the National Fire Academy Sheda, Abuja.
Dr. Belgore, gave the instruction after an on-the-spot assessment and tour of the various on-going projects some of which are said to be at 100%, 90% and 50% completion status, he added that there is need to speed up the projects for commissioning.
The Perm Sec acknowledged that the projects will further boost safety of lives and protection of properties of Nigerians and foreigners alike.
Specifically, the tour revealed that the administrative building has attained 50% completion while the fire house complex has reached100% completion, the execution level of the breaking apparatus gallery building was also put at 90% completion.
Other projects he inspected include the multi-purpose hall building, the Staff Clinic, Male and Female Hostels, and the Common Room all of which have been completed and awaiting commissioning.
Giving a general overview of all inspected projects, the Permanent Secretary described the various works at the National Federal Academy, Sheda as impressive and thereafter directed the Controller General of the Federal Service to commence immediate arrangement for their commissioning; for Nigerians to start reaping the benefits of Government investment in these projects.
Belgore, also stated that under the 8 years Administration of President Muhammadu Buhari, the Federal Fire Service had experienced considerable leap in terms of funding and provision of infrastructural facilities compared to the state of affairs before the advent of this administration.
Noting that the Federal Fire Service is presently, grossly under staffed, he disclosed that his Ministry has written to the presidency for approval to recruit more hands to for optimal improvements in safety and rescue operations against impending disaster.
Belgore, expressed satisfaction with general quality and level of job done concerning the inspected projects and called for fast-tracking of remaining works to pave way for early commissioning.
In his response, the Controller General of the Federal Fire Service, Engr. Jaji Olola Abdulganiyu, explained that aside the National Fire Academy in Abuja, Sheda complex also has an annex in Lagos.
He added that the Service has 6 training schools spread across the 6 geo-political zones of the country in Kankiya – Katsina State, Maiduguri in Borno state, Minna in Niger State, Umuahia in Abia State, Calabar in Cross River state and Abeokuta in Ogun State.
Jaji, promised to do the needful towards total completion of the remaining jobs and timely commissioning of the projects as directed by the Permanent Secretary.
Dignitaries at the event include the DCG T. Agunloye, A & S, ACG, Zagga Bulla, ACG P/E, and ACG Tabari of the Operations department.
