The Federal Government has taken a significant step to enhance the nation's firefighting and emergency response capabilities with the induction of 39 Public Relations Officers (PROs) of the Federal Fire Service (FFS) into the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR). The induction, which took place during a one-day National Stakeholders Summit on Fire Safety in Abuja, is part of broader reforms aimed at professionalising the Service's communication and boosting public confidence.
FFS Reforms and Operational Upgrades
Comptroller-General of the Federal Fire Service, Samuel Olumode Adeyemi, disclosed that the Service has undergone extensive reforms over the past year to improve its operational, professional, and institutional capacity. These reforms include enhanced staff welfare, improved access to medical intervention, interest-free loan opportunities, and better support for families of deceased personnel.
In terms of operational readiness, Adeyemi noted that 40 firefighting appliances have been rehabilitated and revamped, with two modern firefighting appliances ready for commissioning and deployment. Additionally, the National Fire Academy is being upgraded in line with global best practices, with expectations that it will become the best fire training academy in Africa upon reopening.
Capacity Building and Expanded Roles
Over 700 officers have been trained in firefighting and deployed across various commands, while specialised capacity has been strengthened through counter-terrorism training in collaboration with the Office of the National Security Adviser. Adeyemi emphasised that the role of firefighters is expanding beyond conventional firefighting to include responding to bomb explosions, building collapses, floods, and terrorist attacks.
“Over the past one year, we have focused on strengthening Service operationally, professionally and institutionally, in staff welfare, we have strengthened access to medical intervention, we have provided interest free loan opportunities, we have improved support for families of deceased personnel,” Adeyemi stated.
Importance of Communication in Emergencies
On the induction of the PROs, Adeyemi explained that the initiative aims to professionalise the Service's communication system and improve public confidence. He urged the newly inducted officers to acquire skills in strategic communication, crisis management, media relations, and reputation management. He stressed that effective communication during emergencies is essential, as fire incidents are not only operational challenges but also communication challenges.
“Public trust is so important. We must redeem our image and let Nigerians know that we are capable of protecting them,” he added.
The Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, represented by the Secretary to the Civil Defence, Correctional, Fire and Immigration Services Board, Retired Major General Abdulmalik Jubril, commended the Comptroller-General for his efforts to reposition the Service. Jubril urged the newly inducted PROs to ensure accurate and timely communication during emergencies to strengthen public trust and build stronger relationships between the Fire Service and citizens.
Call for Dedicated Public Relations Corps
The President of the NIPR, Dr. Ike Neliaku, called for the establishment of a dedicated Public Relations Corps within the Federal Fire Service to further strengthen its communication capacity. The induction of 39 PROs marks a milestone in the Service's commitment to enhancing its public image and operational effectiveness, aligning with national development objectives by protecting lives and property, maintaining investor confidence, and minimising economic disruptions.
