A minor fire incident occurred at the Ministry of Works headquarters in Abuja on Friday, causing momentary panic but resulting in no casualties or damage to vital documents. The fire, which began around 11:30 am, originated from a spark in a faulty circuit breaker located in the Electrical Control Room on the ground floor of Block A.

In a statement issued by Mohammed A. Ahmed, Director of Press and Public Relations at the Ministry of Works, the fire was quickly contained due to the swift intervention of the Federal Fire Service stationed at the Ministry. Station Commander Kekai Bekebi led the firefighting effort, deploying available fire extinguishers to bring the situation under control. A successful evacuation of staff was also executed during the incident to ensure their safety.

Mr. Aliyu Abdullahi, Director of Human Resource Management, confirmed that no injuries or casualties were recorded. He also reassured the public that no important documents were lost or damaged during the fire. Abdullahi further praised the staff for their orderly response during the evacuation process, emphasizing the importance of fire safety preparedness.

While the incident was quickly resolved, it serves as a reminder of the importance of regular maintenance and inspection of electrical systems in government buildings. Faulty circuit breakers, like the one that caused this fire, can lead to more severe incidents if not addressed promptly.

The Ministry has reportedly initiated an internal review of its electrical infrastructure to prevent similar occurrences in the future. Additionally, Mr. Abdullahi stated that the Ministry will work closely with the Federal Fire Service to enhance its fire safety protocols, ensuring that the staff and the building remain protected from potential hazards.

In a show of gratitude, the Ministry expressed its appreciation for the quick response by the Federal Fire Service team, whose prompt actions averted what could have been a more serious situation. “Their swift response and professionalism ensured that the fire was contained before it could spread to other parts of the building,” Mr. Ahmed added in his statement.