By Ubong Sampson – Uyo
The bill for an act to make provisions for the establishment of building fire safety measures, regulation and penalty for defaulters has passed the first reading in the House of Representatives.
Sponsored by the Deputy Chairman, House Committee on Communications and member representing Ukanafun/Oruk Anam Federal Constituency, Rep. Unyime Idem, the bill was presented before the House on Tuesday.
Rep. Idem said the bill is an act to amend the Fire Service Act, CAP F29 Laws of the Federation of Nigeria 2004 to further reduce the incessant cases of fire outbreaks in the country which has become worst due to non availability of fire safety/fighting equipment in both private and public buildings.
The bill titled, Fire Safety Act (Amendment) Bill, 2021 partly reads “Section 2 of the Principal Act is amended by adding the word “management”.
The new section 2 to read as follows: – “The Fire Service shall be employed for the management, extinguishment, control and prevention of fire, the saving and protection of life and property and for such other humanitarian and other works as may be required of them under the authority of the Minister.”
“Section 5 of the Principal Act is amended by adding a new paragraph e to further establish the intention of paragraph d.
The new section 5 (e) to read as follows: – give approval for building after thorough perusal of the submitted building plan and compliance with provision of necessary fire services prevention and management kits and supervision protocols.”
According to Rep. Idem, when passed into Law, the bill will empower the Fire Service to inspect and approve buildings in the country in line with fire safety measures which is a standard and global practice to avoid or reduce the effect of fire incident
