The FCT Emergency Management Department (FEMD), has recently inaugurated the Nigeria Fire Extinguisher Control (NFEC) and its integrated component, the Gas Explosion Prevention System (GEPS), at the FEMD Headquarters in Asokoro, Abuja.

This initiative aims to mitigate the growing risks associated with fire-extinguisher-related emergencies and gas explosions, often triggered by regulatory lapses, counterfeit products, and unsafe practices in both formal and informal sectors.

In his opening remarks, the Director General of FEMD,Engr. Abdulrahman Mohammed said that the NFEC initiative is a direct and strategic response to the threats discovered, seeking to sanitize the fire extinguisher ecosystem by addressing issues such as illegal re-pressurization of fire extinguishers, adulterated or defiled units, and unauthorized vendors who endanger lives through negligence and fraud. In his words,

"By tackling these challenges, NFEC aims to ensure that fire extinguishers are reliable, functional, and safely maintained, thereby reducing the risk of fire-related emergencies".

He added that the Gas Explosion Prevention System (GEPS) complements NFEC by proactively reducing the frequency and severity of gas-related disasters. According to him;

"This initiative introduces a safety-first protocol for gas retailers and consumers, ensuring gas vendor training and joint enforcement across the LPG distribution value chain".

Also speaking, the National Coordinator of NFEC, Mr. Benson Olatunji ,the inauguration of NFEC and GEPS is a response to the increasing incidences of fire extinguisher and gas explosions, which have resulted in preventable loss of lives. He emphasized that the initiative aims to ensure through a well organized system that every fire extinguisher is identified and tracked and enabl swift prosecution in case of failures.

By documenting each cylinder's expiry date, the system will send alarms and alerts for servicing, minimizing gas explosions in homes and all areas of usage. He revealed that expired cylinders that are unable to hold pressure are a major cause of gas explosions, and weak and locally fabricated cylinders are also significant contributors to these incidents.

Mr. Olatunji informed that the reason for this initiative is to create an all-inclusive platform to sensitize the public on these threatening issues and find solutions to them, ultimately saving lives.

In his contribution, the Controller in charge of Inspection, Investigation, and Enforcement Department of the Federal Fire Service, Mr Anas Sulieman stated that it has been discovered that fire extinguishers are being used to commit atrocities lately, thus the reason for the gathering to sanitize the system from bad elements who hijack extinguishers to commit crimes. He advised residents to always patronize registered and authorized bodies when purchasing either fire extinguishers or gas, for their own safety.

In his closing remarks, Head of the Search and Rescue unit of FEMD, Mr Monday Udei appreciated all the stakeholders for availing themselves for this life-saving task for FCT residents. He assured them that the initiative would yield positive results.

Some of the stakeholders present at the event included representatives from the Nigerian Army, FCT Fire Service, Federal Fire Service, VIO, The FCT Police Command, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps and the National Emergency Management Agency, among others.

This initiative demonstrates the FCT Emergency Management Department's commitment to protecting lives and property from fire and gas explosions. By introducing advanced technology and enforcing safety protocols, the agency aims to create a safer environment for residents and businesses in the FCT.

Ngaha Faustina

FEMD