Speaking during a courtesy visit to the Command’s headquarters in Kubwa on Monday by the Petroleum Products Retail Outlet Owners Association of Nigeria (PETROAN), the Controller of the Federal Fire Service, FCT Command, CF Muhammed S. Anas, assured residents of the Federal Capital Territory of the Federal Fire Service’s capacity to protect them from petrol-related fire incidents. He reiterated that the Command has the capacity, in terms of both personnel and equipment, to respond to all types of emergencies.
The Controller further noted the sustained efforts being made by the Command in preventing petroleum-related fires through continuous public sensitization, enforcement of safety standards, and effective collaboration with key stakeholders. He also expressed appreciation to the Petroleum Products Retail Outlet Owners Association of Nigeria for the visit and their commitment to promoting safety within the petroleum retail sector.
He emphasized that many fire outbreaks and explosions are largely preventable, attributing them to lapses in safety practices and negligence. The Controller stressed the importance of strict adherence to established safety standards, warning that careless handling of petroleum products remains a major cause of fire incidents.
CF Anas further highlighted the role of the Inspectorate and Enforcement (IIE) unit of the Command, noting that it operates with a clear mandate to ensure compliance with fire safety regulations across facilities. He assured stakeholders that officers and men of the Command remain ever ready, equipped, and committed to protecting lives and property.
Reinforcing the Command’s safety philosophy, he stated that “fire prevention is better than fire fighting,” urging all operators to prioritize preventive measures at all times.
Speaking earlier, Engr. Okpani, while stating the purpose of the visit, noted that PETROAN recognizes its position as a critical “last-mile” player in the petroleum supply chain and reiterated the association’s commitment to promoting safety and operational discipline across retail outlets.
Key areas of discussion during the meeting included continuous training for station personnel, strict compliance with Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), improved emergency alertness, proper maintenance of firefighting equipment, and the visibility of emergency information at service stations.
Both parties agreed to deepen collaboration through joint safety audits, specialized training programmes, and improved communication channels between petrol station owners and the Federal Fire Service to ensure swift emergency response.
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