The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has launched a nationwide Fire Awareness and Sensitization Campaign to curb fire outbreaks during the harmattan season.
The initiative, led by NEMA Director-General Zubaida Umar, aims to equip communities with preventive measures and response strategies to reduce fire incidents. The campaign is being executed through NEMA’s Zonal, Territorial, and Operations Offices in collaboration with the Federal and State Fire Services.
According to a statement signed by NEMA’s Head of Press Unit, Ezekiel Manzo, the campaign includes the training of Emergency Management Volunteers (EMVs) at the grassroots level. These volunteers will receive practical knowledge to manage and prevent fire emergencies, particularly during the dry harmattan period.
In response to the rising number of tanker fire incidents, NEMA is placing a special focus on sensitizing tanker drivers and related stakeholders. The campaign includes targeted training on fire safety practices, preventive measures, and emergency response techniques.
The awareness drive also extends to market associations, local businesses, and other key groups, promoting the adoption of fire prevention measures across communities.
Speaking on the initiative, NEMA Director-General Zubaida Umar stressed the importance of proactive measures during the harmattan season, which typically poses heightened fire risks.
Umar emphasized that the overall goal of the campaign is to foster a culture of disaster prevention, safeguarding lives, property, and livelihoods across Nigeria.
