By; ALEX UANGBAOJE, Kaduna
Kaduna State Emergency Management Authority (KADSEMA), has said that as part of measures to ensure safety of citizens in public places, the agency is set to embark on certification and recertification of business premises on fire safety.
Executive Secretary, of the agency, Dr. Usman Hayatu, who disclosed this on Monday at a press briefing, noted that safety and security of community are paramount to SEMA inline with Governor Uba Sani’s “sustain agenda”.
According to him, over 10,000 business premises have already been identified through a unique digital identification across the state.
He explained that, “recent data highlights the pressing need for proactive measures. In Kaduna State alone, incidents of fire-related accidents have seen an alarming increase, impacting businesses and communities. Analysis indicates that a significant percentage of these tragedies could have been prevented with stringent adherence to fire safety protocols and renewed certifications.
“The safety and security of our community are paramount. As we embark on this endeavor, we aim to fortify our state against fire hazards by ensuring strict adherence to safety protocols and regulations. Our primary objectives are to mitigate fire risks, enhance emergency preparedness, and promote a culture of safety and compliance within commercial establishments.
“KADSEMA remains committed to safeguarding the lives and properties of our populace. In line with this commitment, we unveil a comprehensive initiative focused on Fire Prevention Inspection and Renewal of Fire Safety Certificates across business premises in Kaduna State.
“The Fire Safety Department is advancing towards a digitized process to streamline operations and ensure efficiency. Going forward, business premises will exclusively receive digitized demand notices printed on the official colored letterhead of the Fire Safety Department. It is imperative that businesses only acknowledge and respond to notices in this format.”
The ES, added that, “in adherence to transparency and safety protocols, no business premise should entertain or make payments in cash to any safety officer during the renewal process. Payment channels facilitated by the department will be clearly stipulated in the digitized notices for convenience and compliance.
“The entire process, from enumerating business premises to generating unique business IDs for identification purposes across the state, has been digitized. This digitization ensures accuracy, traceability, and a more efficient means of managing fire safety compliance within Kaduna State.
“The Fire Safety Department urges all businesses to cooperate by strictly adhering to these digitized procedures. This technological advancement aims to enhance safety measures and facilitate a seamless and secure renewal process for all stakeholders involved.”
Dr. Hayatu, charged every business entity in Kaduna State to prioritize fire safety, saying “together, we can avert disasters and create a resilient and secure environment for all. Your cooperation and adherence to these directives will significantly contribute to a safer and more prosperous Kaduna State.”
