REPORTER: UCHE NDEKE
The Anambra State House of Assembly has passed a resolution urging the executive to immediately consider the decentralization of the State Fire Service.
The House, at its plenary session presided over by the Speaker,Mr Somtochukwu Udeze , formally called on Governor Chukwuma Soludo to direct the Commissioner for Power and Water Resources to establish functional Fire Service Points in all the 21 Local Government Areas of the state.
The sponsor of the motion, Mr Ebuka Igwe representing Idemili South constituency, said it was driven by growing public concern over the rising incidents of fire outbreaks, particularly the recent devastating midnight fires in Awka that razed shops and properties worth millions of naira, as well as frequent bushfires ravaging rural communities.
The lawmakers noted that the current concentration of functional fire stations in only four major urban centres of Awka , Onitsha, Nnewi, and Ekwulobia has created a serious gap in emergency response, especially in remote areas where difficult terrain further delays intervention.
In their contributions the member representing Idemili North constituency, Mr Patrick Okafor, his Nnewi South constituency 2 counterpart , Mr Nonso Atuchukwu and Mrs Mimi Azikiwe emphasized that proximity of fire service points would no doubt drastically reduce response time and save lives and property.
According to them, the resolution rests on three key pillars which include enhancing tactical backup through proximity, addressing asymmetrical risks in rural and densely populated areas, and aligning with Governor Soludo’s vision of a livable and prosperous Anambra State.
The Speaker of the House , Mr Somtochukwu Udeze, commended the sponsor for bringing forward a people oriented motion that would have direct impact across the state, describing the idea as timely.
Radio Nigeria Correspondent Uche Ndeke reports that the House thereafter adjourned plenary till Tuesday, June 9, 2026 for further legislative activities.
