By Henry Agbu
The Taraba State Government, in collaboration with the Federal Fire Service, has commenced the recruitment of firefighters to strengthen emergency response and curb the rising incidence of fire outbreaks across the state.
Speaking during the screening exercise in Jalingo, the Permanent Secretary, Special Duties, Office of the Secretary to the State Government, Haruna Abubakar, said the recruitment followed the implementation of recommendations made by a committee established by Governor Agbu Kefas to investigate recurring fire disasters in Taraba State.
According to Abubakar, the committee recommended the procurement of modern firefighting equipment and the recruitment of trained personnel to operate the facilities.
He disclosed that the state government has already procured firefighting trucks and equipment for all 16 local government areas, the state headquarters, and the airport.
Abubakar said about 320 applicants are participating in the screening exercise, from which a select number of successful candidates will be shortlisted for intensive training at the Federal Fire Service Academy in Lagos.
He explained that the ongoing exercise represents the first phase of the recruitment, adding that more personnel will be engaged in subsequent phases as the government continues to expand the state’s firefighting capacity.
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Successful candidates will undergo documentation, medical examinations, and physical fitness assessments conducted by medical personnel, military officers, fire service officials, and other relevant agencies before proceeding to the training programme.
Abubakar noted that the Taraba State Government is working closely with the Federal Fire Service to ensure a transparent recruitment process and effective training for the new firefighters.
Also speaking, the Project Manager of Nigerbird Engineering Consultants/Contractors, the firm overseeing the recruitment process, Victor Fidi, said the state government engaged the company to recruit qualified personnel, upgrade existing fire service infrastructure, and establish additional fire stations where necessary.
Fidi stated that successful applicants will undergo four to five weeks of intensive training in firefighting, rescue operations, and emergency response at the Federal Fire Service Academy in Lagos, beginning in the first week of August.
Upon completion of the training, the recruits will be deployed to fire stations across Taraba State’s 16 local government areas to enhance emergency response and fire safety services.
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