The Federal Fire Service (FFS) has said it recorded an estimated property loss of N67.1 billion and that over 100 lives were lost to various fire incidents in 2024.

Abdulganiyu Jaji, the FFS controller general (CG), said this on Friday at the FFS 2025 media briefing at the service headquarters in Abuja.

Mr Jaji, however, said the service saved property worth N1.94 trillion and 30,890 lives in fire incidents and other emergencies in the year under review.

He described the fire outbreaks, which led to the losses, as unfortunate and commiserated with the affected individuals and families.

According to him, some devastating fire occurrences could have been prevented if appropriate safety measures were applied.

The CG said some fires in 2024 included petrol tanker explosions in markets, religious centres, fuel stations, and private and public properties.

The FFS boss said the service knew the need to intensify fire safety enlightenment programmes across the country, and plans were in the pipeline.

“Today, I reaffirm my commitment that the FFS will not falter in its mandate to ensure public trust in the safety of lives and property,” Mr Jaji said.

He further said the repeal and re-enactment of the currently outdated Fire Service Act of 1963 by the federal government would help reposition the service for effective service delivery.

Mr Jaji added that the FFS was also working towards establishing more fire stations in various areas of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) to foster timely response to fire outbreaks in the territory.

The CG appreciated President Bola Tinubu for approving the procurement of more state-of-the-art firefighting appliances and remodelling the National Fire Academy, Sheda.

He acknowledged that the service under the leadership of the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, had received tremendous and commendable support in line with Mr Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

(NAN)