Fuel Tankers, Vehicles Transporting Flammable Substances Should Have Anti-Spill Lock—- FFS Boss

By Bukar BOLORI

The Controller General, Federal Fire Service, Abbdulganiyu Jaji has said all fuel tankers and vehicles transporting flammable substances should be equipped with Anti-Spill Locks to prevent fuel spillage during accidents, thereby reducing the risk of explosions.

He stated this on Tuesday during the opening ceremony of a career progression training for personnel of the service in Abuja.

Concerned by the spate of explosion of fuel tankers which has led to death of scores, Jaji said: “These incidents are preventable, and it is imperative to stop it. To this end, I recently engaged with the Corps Marshal of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Shehu Mohammed, to discuss practical solutions to these challenges.

“Our discussions emphasized the urgent need for regulatory enforcement, regular vehicle inspections, functional fire extinguishers in tankers, and strict adherence to safety standards. “It is also crucial that drivers undergo thorough evaluations to ensure they meet the highest professional standards.”

Speaking on the training, the CG urged the participants to take full advantage of the knowledge and skills being imparted, insisting that to make progress in the service and other endeavours, discipline and sacrifice are paramount.

He said: “Leadership in fire service goes beyond rank—it demands responsibility, discipline, and an unwavering commitment to protecting lives and property.”

The CG who also conducted journalists round the accommodation provided for officers on training, said he was shocked to hear complaints that they are not well accommodated and fed.

Addressing the trainees, he said: “I am shocked, that despite providing accommodation and making sure to feed you people twice a day, some mischievous personnel are telling lies to the public that they are stranded and hungry. I challenge any officer here, who is excluded in this provision to proof me wrong. As you all know, the welfare of my officers is my priority. However, I refuse to be discouraged , knowing so well that criticism makes a true administrator.

“This is in our determination to equip our men with the best skills and knowledge of the job.“The service places high premium on training and welfare of officers, and we will always do what it takes to give our officers the best.”

Jaji added that: “Let me also commend the training facilitators and organizers for their dedication in putting together a well-structured and impactful programme. Your contributions are shaping the future of the Federal Fire Service, and I appreciate your efforts in ensuring that our officers receive the best training possible.As we commence this training, I must address the rising number of fire-related disasters, particularly tanker explosions, in 2025.

The CG said: “Since the inception of this program, we have successfully trained over 325 ( presently 109) between 2023 to date, spanning from GL 04 to the rank of Controller General of Fire. This milestone underscores our commitment to developing a highly skilled and competent firefighting workforce.

“During my first briefing this year, I pledged that the Federal Fire Service would turn a historic page, and today, this training is a clear testament to that promise. As we all know, His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, remains steadfast in his commitment to transforming the Federal Fire Service into a globally recognized leader in firefighting and emergency response.

“However, the success of this vision rests on us—the officers of the Federal Fire Service. We must continuously learn, adapt, and align our service delivery with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which emphasizes efficiency, professionalism, and innovation. This training is not just about career advancement; it is about preparing you for greater responsibility, strategic decision-making, and leadership in emergency management.

“I also extend my heartfelt gratitude to the Honourable Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, for his unwavering support in advancing the Federal Fire Service. His dedication to repositioning the Service is evident, and I am confident that under his guidance, we will set new benchmarks in fire safety, not just within Nigeria but on a global scale.”