Taraba State in partnership with the Federal Fire Service, has commenced the recruitment of firefighters as part of efforts 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 follows the implementation of recommendations made by a committee set up by Governor Agbu Kefas to investigate recurring fire disasters in the 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.
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He said about 320 applicants are currently participating in the screening exercise, from which successful candidates will be shortlisted for intensive training at the Federal Fire Service Academy in Lagos.
Abubakar explained that the ongoing exercise is the first phase of the recruitment process, noting that additional firefighters would be engaged in subsequent phases as the government continues to expand the state’s firefighting capacity.
He added that successful applicants would undergo documentation, medical examinations, and physical fitness assessments conducted by medical personnel, the military, fire service officers, and other relevant agencies before proceeding to the training programme.
The permanent secretary assured applicants that the Taraba state government was working closely with the Federal Fire Service to ensure a transparent recruitment process and effective training for the new personnel.
Also speaking, the Project Manager of the consulting firm handling the recruitment, Victor Fidi, said the state government engaged the firm to recruit qualified personnel, upgrade existing fire service infrastructure, and establish additional fire stations where necessary.
Fidi said successful applicants would 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.
He added that upon completion of the training, the recruits would be deployed to fire stations across Taraba State’s 16 local government areas to enhance emergency response and improve public safety.
