A groundbreaking initiative is underway, offering a lifetime opportunity to approximately 6,000 Nigerians. They will receive training in Fire Extinguisher servicing vendors (FESV) a vital skillset that will not only enhance their employability but also contribute to the country’s safety and well-being.
This pioneering program is a testament to the visionary leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who has made strategic appointments, including Dr. Olubumi Tunji-Ojo as the Honorable Minister of Interior. This appointment has yielded significant results, demonstrating the administration’s commitment to driving positive change.
The project, which is designed to achieve multiple objectives, including controlling fake importers and illegal manufacturers, promoting enlightenment on the use of fire extinguishers, and enhancing national security, is expected to generate employment opportunities in servicing, distribution, and pre-enforcement data gathering.
In addition to creating employment opportunities, the project also aims to block economic loopholes and boost government internally generated revenue (IGR). This will be achieved by controlling fake fire extinguisher servicing vendors and tracking failed fire extinguishers at the point of usage.
A minimum of 6000 Nigerian youths are to be trained as Fire Extinguisher servicing vendors (FESV) Who will be deployed to strategic locations to service fire extinguishers booked by FRSC/FFS enforcement team and those from normal law abiding and safety conscious citizen. They will also be integrated to serve as sales agents for the manufacturer and importer of fire extinguishers under the NFEC aggregator program .
Aside from creating employment for Nigerians, the Federal Fire Service and Federal Road safety fire extinguisher enforcement collaboration will prevent lives and properties to petroleum tankers crash by enabling the right size and category of extinguisher to be used by articulated vehicles. This process will ensure that tanker caries type of fire extinguisher that can be used to dilute petrol to prevent the public from scooping to avert the usual explosion and loss of lives .
Our visit to the Ministry of Interior joint service Department and N-Alert technical office confirmed the claim of Benue state Executive Governor of creating over 2000 jobs for youths as Pre- enforcement Data Collector (PDC) aka adhoc staff (NFEC prove of concept ) In 2024.These individuals performed both advocacy and data collection . Presently there are about over 70,000 buildings ready for joint enforcement by Federal Fire Service, State fire service , SON, NSCDC . If replicated in all states and FCT the Ministry of Interior NFEC program will crate over 100,000 jobs . And Generate over 500 million for each state of the federation annually from tax, Levi, penalty etc.
The government’s plan to create employment opportunities for youths through this project is a welcome development, given the country’s high youth unemployment rate. According to recent statistics, over 50% of Nigerian youths are unemployed, with many more underemployed.
With the government’s commitment to creating employment opportunities for youths, Nigerian young people can look forward to a brighter future.
A very reliable source from the office of the Controller – General federal fire service and the project manager Messer 2TOC solutions Ltd said the plans are on top gear to commence public announcement for the training of interested youths across the country as FESV who will do that at their own cost . However, project managers are urged to reach out to organizations and spirited individuals to subside the cost of training for indigent youths, who may be qualified but not having the means.
From the media space we shall consult Fintechs to utilize NFEC window to empower these youth. We shall update the public on the training registration portal when it’s finally opened .
