The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has organized a sensitization workshop to improve coordination, awareness, and response strategies for tanker fire emergencies. The Director General of NEMA, represented by Mr. Razaq Adebiyi, Head of Operations, declared the workshop open, emphasizing the growing threat posed by tanker fire incidents to lives, property, the environment, and public infrastructure.
Mr. Adebiyi highlighted that the rising frequency and severity of fire incidents—often caused by road accidents, equipment failure, or human error—necessitate a coordinated, multi-agency response. The workshop aimed to engage key stakeholders including emergency responders, law enforcement, environmental agencies, transport operators, and community leaders.
The training focused on raising awareness about the increasing rate of tanker fire incidents and disaster risk reduction strategies. It also sought to equip participants with practical skills for effective fire emergency response, while strengthening collaboration among stakeholders, volunteers, and communities for coordinated disaster management.
He stressed the importance of involving local communities and transport operators in prevention, early response, evacuation, and recovery efforts, noting that public awareness is a critical defense against fire hazards. He encouraged open dialogue, identification of gaps, and commitment to early warning and preparedness actions at all levels.
Presentations at the workshop included “Prevention Strategies for Road Tanker Accident Emergencies” by the Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC), “Treatment of Fire Injuries and Evacuation Techniques” by the Nigerian Red Cross Society, and “Fire Safety Measures and Fire Demonstration” by the Federal Fire Service.
The workshop was held at the Community and Social Development Agency, Rayfield, Jos, Plateau State, and was attended by representatives from the Fire Service, Civil Defense, Tanker Drivers Association, Red Cross, traditional leaders, and other key stakeholders.
