TheCable

The federal capital territory (FCT) fire service says all public and private structures without fire alert systems linked to its emergency monitoring centre will be sealed off.

In a notice obtained by TheCable, the agency said the move follows a recent resolution passed by the national assembly.

In March, the house of representatives, following a motion moved by Henry Nwawuba, lawmaker from Imo, had asked the FCT minister and fire service to ensure that all public buildings and markets within the territory possess functional fire alerting systems.

The FCT fire service is, however, also enforcing the provisions of section 24 of the Fire Service Act of 1963, which allows it to charge owners of public and private for installation of the alert systems.

Section 24 Sub-section 2 of the act states: “Charges may be made for services, other than extinguishing fires, rendered by the Fire Service at rates to be prescribed.”

In the notice dated April 19, 2021, and signed by Sani Saidu, the fire service director, the agency said upon inspection, any structure found not to have the fire alert system or without evidence that the device is being sourced, will be sealed off.

It added that the measure is to ensure a reduction in response time for emergencies.

“Reference to Fire Service Act, 1963, part V – Miscellaneous Provision Section 24 Sub-section 1-3 and the recent gazette resolution passed by the National Assembly, directing the fire service to ensure that all public and private structures as well as markets are equipped with a functional fire alerting system that is linked to our fire emergency monitoring center,” the notice reads.

“Consequently, the FCT fire service herby wishes to inform you that your property/facility/premises at the aforementioned location will be inspected accordingly to ensure compliance; this inspection will commence 14 days from the date of this notice.

“Please, be informed that during the inspection, if any structure is found not to have a functional “Fire Alerting System Linked to our Fire Emergency Monitoring Center” or any evidence that such device is being sourced, the structure will be sealed off as directed by the National Assembly in accordance with the mandate of the fire service.

“This measure is to ensure a drastic reduction in response time as fire services is alerted promptly in the event of fire outbreak, thereby safeguarding against loss of lives and property in the FCT.”

When contacted via phone call, an official of agency who refused to give his name, confirmed the development.

“It’s a fire alerting system that should be installed at your premises. It has a transmitter down to our office here in case of an emergency. Every home and shop in Abuja will be inspected and they are on it already,” the official said.