A catastrophic fire erupted at the warehouse of the National Social Investment Programme Agency in Idu, Abuja, leading to the loss of substantial assets and prompting urgent investigations. The fire, which broke out under circumstances that are still being investigated, destroyed critical training equipment and resources valued at billions of naira, significantly impacting ongoing social investment efforts in the region.
In a detailed press statement issued on Thursday, Rhoda Ishaku, the Director of Information and Public Relations for the Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, provided an overview of the incident. According to Ishaku, the devastating blaze resulted in extensive damage to tools that were earmarked for the N-Power training initiative, a key component of the government’s efforts to empower unemployed youth through skill acquisition and job creation.
In response to this unfortunate incident, Dr Yusuf Sununu, the Minister of State for the Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, announced the formation of a five-member committee dedicated to investigating the fire. The committee’s mandate is to identify both the immediate triggers and the deeper, underlying causes of the calamity, ensuring that a thorough analysis is conducted to prevent similar incidents in the future.
During his visit to the scene of the fire, Minister Sununu expressed dismay over the incident, acknowledging the vast financial loss and the implications it carries for the N-Power program and the beneficiaries who rely on these training resources. He underscored the importance of the tools and equipment that were engulfed in flames, stating that they were essential for the proper implementation of training initiatives aimed at equipping young Nigerians with the necessary skills for various job markets.
Describing the event as unfortunate, Sununu assured the public that effective measures would be put in place to safeguard the remaining assets within the agency’s warehouses. “With what has happened, we will put measures in place to ensure that all other items in our warehouses are well protected,” he said, emphasizing the agency’s commitment to the welfare of beneficiaries and the integrity of its programs. Furthermore, he pledged to expedite the training of beneficiaries so that the remaining resources can be put to use without further delay.
In addition, Sununu highlighted the committee’s role in evaluating the cost implications of the items lost to the fire. This assessment will play a crucial role in guiding future budgetary allocations and ensuring that the department is equipped to handle potential emergencies more effectively.
The Minister commended the collaborative efforts of various agencies and organizations that played a pivotal role in containing the fire. He extended his gratitude to the Federal Fire Service and the FCT Fire Service, as well as the construction firm Julius Berger, for their prompt and efficient response, which helped to mitigate the destruction. Their collective efforts were essential in preventing the fire from spreading further and causing even greater damage.
Moreover, the Minister acknowledged the pivotal role played by the Nigeria Police in Life Camp, who provided crucial security to ensure that what remained in the warehouse was not vandalized during and after the incident. Their presence helped maintain order in the chaotic aftermath of the fire, allowing recovery efforts to begin swiftly.
The investigation and subsequent measures to secure future assets remain a priority for the ministry as they seek to restore confidence in the capacity of the National Social Investment Programme Agency to continue supporting Nigeria’s youth and combat unemployment through effective training initiatives. The outcome of the committee’s investigation and the steps taken to prevent future incidents will be closely monitored as the ministry reaffirms its commitment to mitigating risks and safeguarding its resources.
