Aregbesola calls for review of bush burning law

“Though there are naturally occurring fire incidents, most fire incidents are man-made, either accidentally, negligently or on purpose,” said Mr Aregbesola.

The Minister of Interior, Rauf Aregbesola, has called for the review of the law prohibiting bush burning and the mechanism for its enforcement in Nigeria.

Mr Aregbesola made the call at the pull-out ceremony of the retired controller-general of the Federal Fire Service, Liman Ibrahim, at the National Fire Academy, Sheda, Abuja.

The minister stressed the need for the review of the law prohibiting bush burning to be more relevant. This, he noted, should include the mechanism for its enforcement.

“I strongly believe that it should be included in the mandate of forest rangers. The economic loss and environmental damage due to this obnoxious practice are huge and incalculable,” said Mr Aregbesola in a statement by his media aide Sola Fasure. “An end must come to it.”

He also urged the service to engage the mass media in educating and sensitising the public in the prevention and handling of fire incidents.

“Though there are naturally occurring fire incidents, most fire incidents are man-made, either accidentally, negligently or on purpose,” said Mr Aregbesola.

This, he said, could be prevented with awareness, adding that Nigerians should know the various categories of fire and what the first responders should do before the arrival of firefighters.

(NAN)