Taraba Begins Recruitment of Firefighters to Strengthen Emergency Response

Taraba State Government, in collaboration with the Federal Fire Service, has commenced the recruitment of firefighters to strengthen emergency response and reduce the increasing 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 was initiated following the implementation of recommendations by a committee established by Governor Agbu Kefas to investigate recurring fire disasters in Taraba.

Abubakar explained that 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 acquired firefighting trucks and equipment for all 16 local government areas, the state headquarters, and the airport.

He said about 320 applicants are participating in the screening exercise, from which a select number of successful candidates will be shortlisted for intensive firefighting training at the Federal Fire Service Academy in Lagos.

According to him, the current exercise represents the first phase of the recruitment, with additional personnel expected to be engaged in subsequent phases as the government continues to expand the state's firefighting capacity.
Successful candidates will undergo documentation, medical examinations, and physical fitness assessments conducted by medical personnel, the military, fire service officers, and other relevant agencies before proceeding for training.
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 the consulting firm overseeing 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 stated that the 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 the state's 16 local government areas.