Nigeria’s Fire Service Act outdated and should be repealed, says Minister

by Featured NewsTraining

Minister calls for repeal of Nigeria’s Fire Service Act

The Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, has called for the repeal of the Fire and Rescue Service Act of 1963, stating that the law is outdated and does not reflect the current global realities of the service, as reported by PUNCH.

At the groundbreaking ceremony for the remodelling of the National Fire Academy in Abuja, Tunji-Ojo emphasised that the Federal Fire Service should not be constrained by its past but should be empowered to create a beneficial future for Nigeria.

He said: “By the grace of God, we will see to the repeal and enactment of the Fire and Rescue Service Act.

“This present law of 1963 is obsolete. The scope of fire service all over the world in 2024 is different from what it was in 1963.

“We cannot continue to be held down to the apron of the past when we have an opportunity to create a future we will all be proud of.”

Enhancing fire service capabilities

Tunji-Ojo highlighted the broader responsibilities of the fire service, noting that it should act as the first responder in any emergency.

He said: “Your responsibility goes beyond just combating or preventing fire incidents.

“You ought to be the first responder in case of any emergency, and for you to be able to do that, you can only give what you have.

“That is why the government is going all the way to make sure we equip you with the required knowledge.

“This is not just for the Nigerian market but we want to be an exporter of rescue knowledge in Africa.”

National Fire Academy remodelling

Controller-General of the Federal Fire Service, Abdulganiyu Jaji, spoke about the ongoing remodelling of the National Fire Academy, which aims to transform the institution into a comprehensive hub for all Life Safety Training in Nigeria and beyond.

Jaji said: “With the capabilities and capacity built in the Academy, the institution will be a one-stop shop for all training in Life Safety Systems for Nigeria and beyond.

“The National Fire Academy has produced well-trained firefighters in Basic and Advanced Firefighting and Rescue courses, Career Progression Courses, Incident Command Systems, Strategic Administration, Breathing Apparatus, etc.”

Collaboration and training requests

Jaji also mentioned the diverse groups that have received training at the academy, including the Nigerian Army and the Nigerian Navy.

He noted the international interest in the academy’s programs, saying: “We have received requests for collaboration and training both within and outside Nigeria, notably as the request from the Gambian Authorities expressing the need to have Nigeria’s assistance in building the capacity of the personnel of the country’s security agencies in Firefighting, Fire Protection and Rescue.”

Lagos state government enforces fire safety equipment in buildings

by Featured NewsSafety

Enforcement of fire safety laws

The Lagos State Government has announced a new initiative to enforce the provision of fire fighting devices in buildings across the state.

This move comes in response to recent fire incidents and is aimed at enhancing safety in urban environments.

The enforcement, mandated under the Lagos State Urban and Regional Planning and Development Law, 2019, as amended, emphasises the importance of fire safety measures in preventing disastrous incidents.

The Mandilas building case: a cautionary example

The recent fire outbreak in the Mandilas building on Broad Street, Lagos Island, has been highlighted as a stark reminder of the necessity for strict adherence to fire safety regulations.

The incident has prompted the state government to reinforce the importance of having functional fire fighting equipment in buildings.

This measure is seen as a critical step in safeguarding lives and properties against the threat of fires.

Government’s stance on fire safety compliance

Dr. Oluyinka Olumide, the Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, stressed the significance of this enforcement.

He stated: “It is good to note that the requirement for the provision of fire safety devices in buildings is as important as maintaining the right setbacks and airspaces.

“These requirements are there for our benefit by ensuring the safety and security of lives and property.”

IFSJ Comment

This initiative aligns with global standards for urban safety and is a commendable effort towards mitigating the risks of fire incidents in densely populated areas.

It also highlights the critical role of government intervention in ensuring compliance with safety laws, ultimately contributing to the welfare and security of its citizens.

Blast at illegal Nigerian oil refinery results in 37 fatalities

by Featured NewsIndustrial

Illegal refining activities in the Niger Delta region lead to tragic incidents

An explosion at an unauthorised oil refinery in southern Nigeria has tragically claimed the lives of 37 people.

Among the casualties were two expectant mothers.

This news was confirmed by both a local security official and a community leader on Tuesday.

The prevalence of illegal refineries in Nigeria

The Niger Delta region of Nigeria, rich in oil, often sees such illegal refining activities. Locals, living in impoverished conditions, frequently tap into pipelines.

Their aim is to produce fuel which they can then sell for a profit. The procedures they use can sometimes be rudimentary, like boiling crude oil in drums to separate fuel.

Tragically, this can lead to deadly consequences.

The most recent episode unfolded during the early hours of Monday in the Ibaa community of Rivers State.

This was disclosed by Rufus Welekem, who oversees security in the region.

A witness from Reuters reported seeing 15 scorched bodies at a location marked by singed palm trees and a damaged motorbike.

Welekem recounted: “Thirty five people were caught in the fire. Two people who were lucky to escape also died this morning in hospital.”

He further mentioned that some of the victims had already been identified by their families and taken for burial.

Oil majors reassess their presence amidst challenges

Persistent challenges like illegal crude oil refineries have plagued Nigeria for years.

Efforts to curtail these have largely been unsuccessful.

Local environmental groups point out that influential politicians and security personnel are often involved, making the clampdown even harder.

Alongside this, issues like crude oil theft, vandalism of pipelines, and legal confrontations over oil spills are compelling oil majors in Nigeria to rethink their strategy.

Many are now considering selling their onshore and shallow water assets, focusing instead on deep-water operations.

IFSJ Comment

The tragic event in Nigeria highlights the grave safety risks associated with illegal oil refining activities.

The crude methods employed, combined with lack of safety standards, not only endanger the environment but also pose severe threats to human life.

This incident underscores the urgent need for governments and stakeholders to address the root causes driving locals towards such perilous endeavours.

Moreover, the potential shift of oil majors from onshore to deep-water operations can have broader implications for the industry and the region’s socio-economic fabric.

Nigeria to see improved workplace safety and health standards through new partnership

by Featured NewsSafety

In an effort to improve health and safety standards in Nigeria, the Nigeria Employers Consultative Association (NECA) and the Institution of Occupational Safety and Health (IOSH) have joined forces. The two organisations have signed an agreement to promote health and safety and support businesses, with a focus on corporate governance and occupational safety and health (OSH).

NECA and IOSH aim to raise awareness of the value of OSH across Nigeria’s private, public, and informal sectors, highlighting the International Labour Organization’s adoption of a safe and healthy work environment as a fundamental principle and right at work. They also plan to clarify employer and employee rights and compliance obligations.

The memorandum of understanding (MOU), signed on Tuesday, May 2, is expected to lead to a reduction in workplace deaths and injuries and work-related ill health. According to estimates, there are 24 work-related fatalities per 100,000 employees every year in Nigeria, making it one of the countries with the highest rates in the world.

NECA and IOSH will use OSH advocacy, advisory services, training, and other interventions to improve the quality of life and protection of livelihoods by creating safer workplaces in Nigeria. The collaboration will include communication, engagement, and advocacy efforts with private sector organisations, public sector leaders, and workers in Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) across the three tiers of government.

The partnership between NECA and IOSH marks an important milestone since the launch of IOSH’s West Africa Division in 2020 and the work they have been doing in the region to help improve the safety, health, and wellbeing of workers. The collaborative efforts will build local OSH expertise to deliver against the needs of the country and create long-term sustainable environmental, social, and governance (ESG) impact in Nigeria.

Wale-Smatt Oyerinde, Director General of NECA, which represents private sector employers in Nigeria, said: “As Director General of NECA and member of the International Labour Organization (ILO) Governing Board, representing employers, I see our collaboration with IOSH as an important step to helping our members implement globally-recognised occupational safety and health (OSH) standards to protect workers.

“I also believe that by improving OSH standards, Nigerian businesses can become more productive and sustainable, find new export markets and also attract increased direct foreign investment.”