'Seun Ibukun-Oni, Abuja
DAILY COURIER – The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) and the Federal Fire Service (FFS), in a strategic move to tackle the increasing number of road traffic crashes involving fire outbreaks, have entered into a groundbreaking partnership aimed at enhancing road safety and emergency response in Nigeria.
A statement today by the Corp's spokesperson, Oluwasegun Ogungbemide disclosed that the partnership, which was formalized at the national headquarters of the FRSC in Abuja, brings together the expertise and resources of the two agencies to address the menace of fire-related road crashes. The agreement was signed by the Corps Marshal of FRSC, Shehu Mohammed, and the Controller-General of the Federal Fire Service, Engr. Jaji Olola Abdulganiyu.
The collaboration will focus on joint training programs for personnel, coordinated enforcement patrols, and improved data sharing between the two agencies. These initiatives are expected to significantly enhance response times, improve the enforcement of fire safety regulations, and prevent fire-related incidents on Nigerian roads.
The joint training program will equip personnel from both agencies with critical skills in fire prevention, firefighting, and emergency response. This is aimed at ensuring that responders are well-prepared to handle fire-related crashes effectively.
Additionally, the partnership will enforce compliance with fire safety measures, such as ensuring that vehicles are equipped with functional fire extinguishers. Data sharing will also play a crucial role, enabling both agencies to gather and analyze information on fire-related crashes, including their locations, response times, and outcomes.
Speaking during the event, Controller-General Engr. Jaji Olola Abdulganiyu reaffirmed the Federal Fire Service’s commitment to protecting lives and property. He expressed optimism about the collaboration, stating that the partnership would enhance the agencies' ability to respond to fire-related emergencies more effectively.
“The Federal Fire Service is dedicated to safeguarding lives and property. This partnership with the FRSC will enable us to combine our resources and expertise to better address fire-related emergencies on our roads,” he said.
Corps Marshal Shehu Mohammed also highlighted the significance of the partnership, describing it as a bold step toward addressing the challenges in Nigeria’s transportation sector. He emphasized that collaboration between the two agencies would significantly reduce the risk of fire-related crashes and create safer roads for all users.
“This partnership reflects our unwavering commitment to safety. By working together, we can explore innovative solutions to the challenges of fire-related crashes and ensure that road users are better protected,” Mohammed stated.
The partnership between the FRSC and FFS serves as a model for interagency cooperation in addressing pressing national issues. By combining their strengths and resources, the agencies are poised to make a substantial impact on road safety in Nigeria.
