By Joseph Momoh, Reporter D.S
Firefighters are facing severe hardship as their allowances, including essential rice allocations, have been withheld for more than 12 months. The 393 firefighters, who risk their lives daily to protect the public, are now struggling financially, lacking the basic compensation needed to support their families.
This crisis highlights longstanding issues within the firefighting service, where inadequate funding and resources have persisted for years. Firefighters, often seen as the first responders in emergencies, play a crucial role in community safety, yet their contributions have not been met with appropriate compensation and support.
Civil society activist J. Mus has launched a campaign demanding the immediate disbursement of the withheld allowances, which include 12 bags of rice per firefighter, along with a review of their working conditions. In an audio statement released this week, he condemned the injustice faced by these essential workers. “It is unacceptable that these brave men and women are being denied their rightful allowances while ensuring the safety of the entire nation,” he stated.
Reports indicate that the prolonged delay in payments and rice distribution has left many firefighters in dire financial straits. The campaign has quickly gained traction, drawing widespread support from the public, labor unions, and civil society organizations, all urging the government to intervene.
As pressure mounts, attention is now focused on the government to take swift action and fulfill its obligations to the firefighters. J. Mus also highlighted other pressing concerns, including delayed promotions, inadequate uniforms, lack of medical facilities, and an insufficient number of fire vehicles—all of which are hampering the effectiveness and well-being of the nation’s firefighting force.
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