The Federal Ministry of Interior has organised a comprehensive fire safety training and drill for its staff as part of efforts to strengthen workplace safety, emergency preparedness, and disaster response.
The exercise featured both theoretical and practical sessions and was conducted in collaboration with professional fire safety officers and emergency response personnel. It was designed to sensitise staff on fire prevention, safety awareness, and appropriate response mechanisms during fire outbreaks and related emergencies.
Speaking at the opening of the programme, the Director of the Joint Services Department, Hajiya Adaji Asmau, emphasised the importance of preparedness in mitigating fire-related incidents. She explained that the training was aimed at equipping staff with the knowledge and practical skills needed to respond effectively to fire emergencies.
Asmau noted that many fire-related fatalities are not directly caused by flames but by smoke inhalation, panic, and poor response procedures. She therefore urged participants to pay close attention to the training, stressing that awareness and preparedness remain critical in preventing and managing fire incidents.
The lead facilitator introduced members of the fire safety team and explained that the lecture focused on three key stages of fire management preventive actions before a fire outbreak, response strategies during a fire incident, and necessary procedures after the fire has been contained.
During the session, facilitators highlighted important aspects of fire safety, including fire prevention, protection, preparedness, and basic firefighting techniques. Participants were also educated on common causes of fire outbreaks, early detection methods, prompt reporting, and the proper use of fire safety equipment.
The practical segment of the training involved demonstrations on how to respond during fire emergencies and how to safely use firefighting equipment to control minor fire incidents before they escalate.
The Ministry reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining a safe working environment and strengthening institutional capacity for emergency response. Staff were encouraged to apply the knowledge gained not only within the workplace but also in their homes and communities.
The training formed part of the Ministry’s broader initiative to promote safety awareness, risk management, and proactive disaster preparedness across its departments and agencies.
