N-Power training tools destroyed as fire Burns Abuja warehouse

By Precious Momoh

On Thursday, an inferno engulfed a warehouse belonging to the National Social Investment Programme Agency in Idu, Abuja, leaving in its wake the destruction of N-Power training tools valued at billions of naira. These tools were intended for the beneficiaries of the N-Power scheme, a flagship program under the National Social Investment Programme (NSIP).

The Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction confirmed the loss through a statement issued by its Director of Information and Public Relations, Rhoda Ishaku. “The fire incident destroyed tools worth billions of naira intended for the N-Power beneficiaries,” Ishaku revealed, emphasizing the significant setback for the program.

The Minister of State, Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, Dr. Yusuf Sununu, inspected the affected site shortly after the incident. During his visit, he lamented the devastating loss, describing it as “unfortunate.” He assured stakeholders that measures would be implemented to safeguard other NSIP assets across the country.

Committee Set to Investigate

To address the incident, Dr. Sununu announced the establishment of a five-member committee tasked with probing the immediate and remote causes of the fire. The committee is also responsible for estimating the financial impact of the items lost.

“Moving forward, we will ensure that all our warehouses are better protected to prevent such occurrences,” Dr. Sununu stated. He reiterated the government’s commitment to the swift resumption of training activities for N-Power beneficiaries using the tools already procured.

While expressing gratitude for the prompt response by the Federal Fire Service, FCT Fire Service, and Julius Berger, the minister highlighted the collaborative effort that successfully contained the blaze. The Nigeria Police, Life Camp, was also commended for maintaining security at the site to prevent vandalism of undamaged items.

This incident is a significant challenge for the N-Power program, which aims to provide job training and opportunities to Nigeria’s youth. The focus now shifts to the committee’s findings and the preventive measures to be enacted to avoid a recurrence.