The Controller-General, Federal Fire Service, Dr Ibrahim Liman, has pleaded with the Federal Government to release N9.2bn for shipment of 32 firefighting equipment being assembled at an unidentified factory, Punch online report.
He said the service could not take delivery of the fire asset due to cuts in its 2018 and 2019 capital budget proposals.
Speaking during the inauguration of 12 new fire trucks in Abuja on Tuesday, the CG sought the intervention of the Secretary to Government of the Federation, Boss Mustapha, for the release of the money.
Liman said the Federal Executive Council in 2017 and 2018 approved 12 out of the 44 modern firefighting trucks.
He said, “Although 19 are ready for shipment and 13 in the final stages of production, the service cannot take delivery of these equipment due to cuts in the 2018 and 2019 Federal Fire Service capital budget proposals. This is despite appeals to the authorities to retain the budgets as proposed.”
The CG added, “I am seeking the intervention of Mr President through the SGF for special intervention funds –N9.2b – towards the delivery of the remaining equipment as it will go a long way in addressing the firefighting mobile asset deficit across the country.”
