The Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) says the acquisition of modern fire-fighting equipment and the periodic of training its officers have enhanced the operation of its Fire Service Department.
The General Manager, Health, Safety and Environment (HSE), Malam Ahmed Yusuf, stated this in a statement in Lagos by Alhaji Abdulahi Goje, General Manager, Corporate and Strategic Communications on Friday.
He said the preparedness and performance of the NPA fire service department was demonstrated when the firemen undertook a drill at its Corporate Headquarters, Marina, Lagos.
Yusuf said the firemen, during the drill at the headquarters building, deployed their newly acquired fire-fighting equipment and skills, to demonstrate how to contain fire outbreak in the main building.
He said, “At the end of the exercise, the drill was very successful.”
He said that eight minutes was spent to evacuate the seven-storey building as against 10 minutes that was recorded during a similar exercise last year.
“In this year’s exercise, there was no record of malfunctioning of any equipment and also the sky-lift fire engine and fire-fighting equipment were functional,” he said.
Yusuf said that evacuation of a casualty in a smoked office was simulated and was safely transferred into an ambulance for transmission to hospital, reflecting a real-life situation.
He said the drill was meant to achieve the HSE Division’s preparedness to fight fire incidents, create awareness for swift response to fire.
The general manager said it was also meant to assess feedbacks from the workplace for greater efficiency.
He acknowledged the existing collaboration and good working relation between the department and the Lagos State Agency for Safety and Emergency.
Yusuf, however, charged all port users and other stakeholders to ensure that necessary facilities were put in place to protect lives and property, especially from fire destruction.
He said NPA Executive Director, Engineering and Technical Services, Prof. Idris Abubakar; that of Finance and Administration, Mohammed Bello-Koko; and the General Manager, Finance, Chief Simon Aniobi, attended the drill.