FCT Fire Service 2025 report reveals ₦14.46bn property and 69 lives saved, despite ageing trucks and manpower challenges across Abuja districts.
The FCT Fire Service 2025 report has revealed that the agency saved properties valued at ₦14.46 billion and 69 lives between January and September this year.
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The Service made this disclosure on Tuesday during the celebration of its 23rd anniversary at its conference hall in Abuja. It said it received 338 fire calls and nine rescue calls during the period, with ₦6.07 billion worth of property and 18 lives lost.
In its monthly breakdown, the Service recorded the highest number of fire calls in January (59) and February (64), saving properties worth ₦1.59 billion, ₦2.16 billion, and ₦1.89 billion in the first quarter of the year.
It also noted that the most lives were saved in March (30) and June (22), though losses peaked in June with properties valued at ₦1.06 billion destroyed.
By comparison, the FCT Fire Service handled 271 incidents in 2024, saving ₦8.23 billion worth of property and 11 lives, while recording ₦1.96 billion in losses.
Addressing the gathering, the Comptroller of the FCT Fire Service, Adebayo Amiola, said despite the commendable progress, the Service was battling critical operational challenges — particularly ageing fire trucks and manpower shortages.
“One of our major concerns is the overuse and ageing of our firefighting trucks,” Amiola said.
“Many have exceeded their optimal lifespan, and the cost of keeping them running is no longer economical.
Equally pressing is the issue of manpower shortage, as our resources have not expanded in proportion to the city’s growth.”
The Comptroller called for urgent expansion of fire stations in key Abuja districts, including Wuse, Guzape, Mpape, Jikwoyi, Orozo, Karshi, Karsana, Idu, Karimo, and Lugbe, stressing that each location was critical to the capital’s safety network.
He expressed gratitude to the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, for his ongoing infrastructure efforts, while appealing for sustained administrative and financial support.
“The cost of running operations, especially diesel and maintenance, runs into millions monthly,” he said. “We therefore plead for continued support to ensure we remain fully functional and well-equipped.”
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The FCT Fire Service, established in 2002, continues to play a crucial role in emergency response and urban safety amid Abuja’s rapid expansion and rising fire incidents.
Ibrahim Onipede is a journalist and contributor to Freelanews.com, covering news, public affairs, and human-interest stories.
