The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Fire Service has announced that its fire router system is undergoing a comprehensive administrative and technical review ahead of a possible upgrade aimed at improving operational efficiency.
The Director of the FCT Fire Service, Assistant Controller-General of Fire Zaccheaus Adebayo, disclosed this while briefing journalists in Abuja on Tuesday.
Adebayo explained that the fire router system was introduced in 2024 through a collaborative arrangement with Prime Alert Secure Ltd under the FCT Fire Emergency Monitoring Gateway Project.
According to him, the system enables real-time fire detection, instant transmission of emergency alerts to control rooms and significantly reduced response times.
He said the briefing was to inform the public and all subscribers using the fire router system about the ongoing administrative and technical review.
“The review is intended to ensure the continued operation of the system in line with the Fire Service’s strategic objectives, operational standards and the overall public interest,” he said.
Adebayo explained that the existing devices had been in use for some years and now required upgrading to meet current technological advancements and improve service delivery.
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“We want to keep pace with technological development. Some devices that temporarily hibernate may be replaced with newer ones to ensure optimal service and value for money.
“Therefore, existing users are advised to retain their installed fire router devices pending further official guidance from the service,” he said.
The director appealed to members of the public to remain patient while the review was being concluded, assuring them that future operational arrangements were being carefully evaluated.
He also advised subscribers whose service subscriptions were due for renewal to seek clarification through the official communication channels of the FCT Fire Service before committing to long-term subscription plans.
“We assure all residents, organisations, institutions and subscribers that every decision regarding the fire router service will be guided by the overriding objective of enhancing public safety and service delivery,” he said.
Adebayo urged residents to continue reporting fire emergencies without hesitation, stressing that the FCT Fire Service’s emergency response operations remained fully functional throughout the review period.
He appealed for stronger institutional support and increased government investment to enable the service to effectively discharge its mandate.
According to him, there is an urgent need to modernise and replace ageing firefighting equipment and operational appliances that have exceeded their optimal service life.
The director also called for increased funding to strengthen emergency preparedness, improve operational efficiency, maintain firefighting equipment and expand fire prevention programmes.
He further advocated continuous capacity development through specialised local and international training to equip firefighters with modern firefighting techniques, rescue operations, hazardous materials management and emergency response strategies.
Adebayo also stressed the need to recruit additional personnel to meet the demands of the rapidly expanding Federal Capital Territory and improve emergency response coverage.
He identified the acquisition of modern firefighting equipment, including aerial ladder platforms, water tenders, breathing apparatus, advanced communication systems, drones for emergency assessment and other contemporary technologies, as essential to enhancing the service’s operational capacity.
“The evolving nature of urban development, high-rise buildings, industrial facilities, transportation infrastructure and population growth demands corresponding investment in emergency response capabilities.
“A well-equipped fire service is not an expenditure; it is an investment in public safety, economic stability, investor confidence and national resilience,” he said.
Adebayo reaffirmed the FCT Fire Service’s commitment to professionalism, transparency, innovation and continuous improvement in safeguarding lives and property across the Federal Capital Territory.
