FG orders probe into Abuja Secretariat fire

The Head of the Civil Service of the Federation (HCSF), Mrs Didi Esther Walson-Jack, has ordered a thorough investigation into the fire outbreak that affected a section of the Federal Secretariat Complex, Phase II, Abuja.

The fire incident, which occurred in the early hours of Monday, affected the fourth floor of Block C of the complex, where the National Board for Technology Incubation (MBTI) is located.

A statement by Mrs. Eno Olotu, Director, Press and Public Relations, OHCSF, said upon discovery, the building’s emergency protocols were immediately activated.

‎Walson-Jack, who conducted an on-the-spot assessment of the affected area, said the investigation would determine the immediate cause of the fire and assess the structural integrity of the building to prevent a recurrence.

‎She, however, commended personnel of the Federal Fire Service and other emergency responders for their swift response, noting that their timely intervention helped to contain the blaze and stop it from spreading to other parts of the building.

‎‎She added that precautionary measures have been put in place to secure the affected section of the building while officials carry out a comprehensive assessment to determine the extent of damage to property.

“Personnel of the Federal Fire Service and other relevant emergency response agencies were swiftly mobilised to the scene. Their professional and timely intervention successfully contained the fire, preventing it from spreading to other sections of the building.

“The Office wishes to confirm that no casualties were recorded as a result of the incident, and all staff members on the affected floor were safely evacuated without injury.

“The safety and well-being of all civil servants and visitors remain our foremost priority.

“Following the containment of the fire, necessary precautionary measures have been implemented to secure the affected area. A comprehensive assessment is currently underway to ascertain the extent of the damage to the property,” she said.