Bauchi Hosts 4th National Fire Chiefs Conference: United Front for Fire-Safe Nigeria
By Muhammad Bashir
Bauchi State has rolled out the red carpet for fire service leaders from across Nigeria as it hosts the 4th Annual Conference of Fire Service Directors, a crucial three-day event aimed at bolstering fire safety and disaster management nationwide.
The conference, which kicked off on Tuesday, brought together key stakeholders in fire and emergency response, fostering collaboration, knowledge exchange, and a renewed commitment to protecting lives and property.
In a message delivered at the opening ceremony, Governor Senator Bala Abdulkadir Mohammed—represented by Deputy Governor Rt. Hon. Mohammed Auwal Jatau called on participants to become ambassadors of fire safety in their respective states. He emphasised the importance of proactive fire prevention, community education, and strengthening institutional capacity.
“We have provided an enabling environment for continuous training and capacity-building of our emergency responders,” the governor noted. “This conference should serve as a launchpad for advancing professionalism and building a fire-resilient Nigeria.”
Bauchi State Commissioner for Humanitarian Affairs and Disaster Management, Hon. Hajara Yakubu Wanka, lauded Governor Mohammed’s leadership in hosting the event and supporting humanitarian initiatives. She described the conference as a strategic platform for strengthening collective resilience to disasters, particularly through collaboration and technology-driven responses.
“Fire prevention is not just a technical necessity—it’s a humanitarian mission,” Wanka stressed. “Every disaster we prevent safeguards families, communities, and the future. This is why we are working with all stakeholders to embed sustainable fire safety practices across Bauchi State.”
She also commended the fire service for its growing impact, citing improved response times, increased community sensitisation, and the adoption of cutting-edge firefighting equipment. Wanka pledged continued cooperation with agencies like NEMA, SEMA, and grassroots emergency structures to deepen disaster risk reduction frameworks.
Chairperson of the Association of States Fire Service Chiefs and Directors, Mrs. Margaret A. Adeseye, noted that the annual conference remains a vital mechanism for building capacity and sharing innovations across federal and state fire departments. She emphasised that experience-sharing remains key to improving response strategies and public trust.
The opening ceremony was marked by award presentations to distinguished individuals who have contributed to fire safety and humanitarian service, including Governor Bala Mohammed.
As deliberations continue over the next two days, Bauchi State stands at the heart of Nigeria’s push for safer, smarter, and more resilient communities.
