The Nigerian Federal Capital Territory administration says it has saved properties worth over 14.5 trillion Naira from fire related incidents between January to September 2025.
The Director and Controller of the FCT Fire service, Engr Adebayo Zacchaeus disclosed this while briefing Journalists on the occasion of the 23rd anniversary of the service in Abuja, Nigeria’s capital.
He disclosed that during this period, properties worth over six billion naira were lost to fire related incidents.
He also said that the service has also saved 69 lives, adding that the numbers of calls received during the time were 338.
According to Zacchaeus, “As we celebrate, we must speak frankly about the challenges confronting us. One of our major concerns is the overuse and aging of our firefighting trucks. Many of our trucks have been in service far beyond their optimal lifespan, the cost of keeping them functional through constant maintenance continues to rise, and this is no longer economical.
“Equally pressing is the issue of manpower shortage. The Federal Capital Territory has expanded rapidly in recent years, with many new districts emerging. However, our personnel strength and resources have not grown in proportion to this expansion. Every district should ideally have a functional fire station for quick response to emergencies. Unfortunately, several areas still lack such a presence “.
Zacchaeus further appealed to the administration that more attention be given to developing fire stations in key districts such as Wuse, Guzape, Mpape, Jikwoyi, Orozo, Karshi, Karsana, Idu, Karimo, and Lugbe, among others.
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The Director who noted that each of these locations is critical to the safety network of the ever-growing capital city, added that Fire Service all over the world comprises men and women of diverse professional backgrounds, and the FCT Fire Service is no exception.
He stressed that residents must be mindful of the coming dry season -a period typically marked by high temperatures, low humidity, dry vegetation, dusty winds, and increased human activity such as bush burning and careless waste disposal.
He, therefore urged all residents to exercise maximum caution: avoid open fires, refrain from burning refuse, and ensure electrical appliances are properly handled.
Zacchaeus noted that the Fire Service will intensify its Dry Season Fire Prevention Campaigns across estates, communities, and institutions throughout the FCT.
The Director thereby commended the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Barrister Nyesom Wike, for his visionary leadership and infrastructural development drive.
“At this point, I must, with all humility and respect, make a passionate appeal to the Honourable Minister. The cost of running the operations of the FCT Fire Service is becoming increasingly high. The price of Automotive Gas Oil (Diesel) alone runs into millions of naira monthly, aside from the substantial expenses involved in maintaining our aging fleet and facilities.
“We, therefore, plead for continued support from the Administration to ensure that our service remains fully functional, responsive, and well-equipped to discharge its duties effectively.
“As we reflect on our journey since 2002, we do so with gratitude to God Almighty, to our officers, to our partners, and to the resilient people of the FCT. We are proud of how far we have come, and even more determined to serve better in the years ahead”, he explained.