Eid-el-Fitr: FFS Places Fire Fighters On Red Alert Nationwide ….Calls For Installation Of Onboard Cameras On Tankers Transporting Flammables

By Bukar BOLORI

As Nigeria joins Muslims worldwide to celebrate this year’s Eid-el-Fitr festival, marking the successful completion of Ramadan, the Controller General of the Federal Fire Service (FFS), Engr. Abdulganiyu Jaji said fire fighters have been placed on red alert to address any emergencies across the nation during the celebration.

Jaji also highlighted the critical need for the installation of onboard cameras on tankers and other articulated vehicles transporting flammable materials.

He said the precautionary measure is aimed at preventing accidents and ensuring public and infrastructural safety, especially during the high-traffic period of Eid celebrations, and called on relevant authorities and stakeholders to implement these safety features to reduce risks and enhance overall road and critical facility safety.

The CG, in his Eid message, extended heartfelt congratulations to the Muslim Ummah for successfully completing their Ramadan fast.

He explained that these safety measures are vital for preventing accidents involving fuel tankers, particularly given the risks associated with festive period travel.

He urged stakeholders to adopt these safety standards to protect both human lives and critical infrastructure.

The FFS Controller General also disclosed that all fire service commands and zones have been placed on high alert to ensure swift response to any emergencies during the Sallah celebrations.

He urged citizens to familiarize themselves with the contact information of their local fire service units, ensuring prompt action in case of fire emergencies.

He advised Muslims across the country to take extra precautions while cooking during the celebration, as the use of gas, stove , electricity, charcoal, and other flammable materials increases during festive cooking.

He urged citizens not to leave cooking unattended, to keep matches out of children’s reach, and to store gas cylinders outside the kitchen, among other safety measures.

He said these are crucial to prevent fires that could disrupt the joy of Eid.

Jaji also emphasised the importance of love, forgiveness, and solidarity in building a harmonious society.

He encouraged all Nigerians to use the Eid period to pray for the peace, stability, and prosperity of the nation, expressing hope that the celebrations would foster unity, improved safety, and bridge divides across religious and ethnic lines.

He, however, lamented that many tankers on Nigerian roads are still failing to meet modern safety standards. These substandard vehicles contribute to rising accident statistics, leading to significant loss of life and property and leaving many families in distress.

He explained that modern tankers are equipped with anti-rollover systems, preventing tipping, and anti-spill devices that ensure no product leakage in case of an accident.

“Furthermore, these tankers have internal and external cameras to monitor drivers’ behaviour,” he remarked.

Acknowledging the challenges faced by tanker owners in replacing old fleets, Engr. Jaji suggested an alternative: the installation of onboard computers—small chip packs that monitor driving patterns, such as speed and night driving.

He stressed that this is distinct from speed limiters and could help improve safety.

“We are concerned because these outdated tankers exploit weak enforcement of safety standards, turning them into moving hazards on the nation’s highways,” he said.

“While the need to replace or retrofit tankers with modern safety devices like anti-skid systems, speed limiters, automatic emergency braking, and onboard cameras is clear, government agencies tasked with enforcing these measures are committed to addressing this issue. Over time, we are confident that these improvements will be made.”