The Controller General, Federal Fire Service (FFS), Engr. Abdulganiyu Jaji has warned Muslim Faithful and the general public to be cautious as they celebrate the Eid-el-Kabir festival by preventing fire disasters from cooking.
In a statement he signed on Thursday, Jaji cautioned celebrants, especially Muslim women traditionally in charge of festive meals, to ensure cooking oil never exceeds one-third of the pan to avoid kitchen fires.
He said: “Cooking is at the heart of our Sallah celebrations, but it’s also where most accidental home fires begin. During festivals like Eid al-Adha, the risks increase as families prepare larger meals at different hours of the day.”
The fire chief congratulated Muslims nationwide on the festive occasion but urged everyone to keep safety front and centre.
He encouraged homes to be equipped with fire extinguishers, fire blankets, and smoke detectors, and reminded Nigerians to turn off stoves and electrical appliances before leaving.
He advised that roasting animals, a cherished Sallah tradition, should be done in open spaces. He also stressed that gas cylinders must be stored outside the kitchen at all times and warned parents to keep children away from open flames or matches.
The CG didn’t stop at household warnings. He also addressed potential road and water travel hazards associated with the holiday season. Tanker and trailer drivers were advised to reduce speed and obey traffic rules to help prevent unnecessary bloodshed on the roads.
He said that for those travelling by water, boat operators should be cautious of water current levels and avoid overloading vessels, which is a common cause of fatal accidents during busy holiday seasons.
Jaji said: “We are ready to respond at any time, but what we truly want is for Nigerians to stay safe and avoid emergencies altogether.”
The Fire Service, he assured, will remain fully operational throughout the holiday, with personnel on high alert and rapid response plans in place.
He urged Nigerians to report any fire outbreak or emergency immediately to the nearest fire station or via designated emergency hotlines.
He said that: “This celebration is about peace, unity, and gratitude. Let’s keep it that way, free of fire incidents and full of joy.”
