FG Urges Nigerians to Adopt Preventive Measures Against Fire Disasters

The Federal Fire Service (FFS) on Monday kicked off the 2025 National Fire Safety Week, calling on Nigerians to replace the “not my portion” mindset with proactive preventive measures to curb fire incidents across the country.

The weeklong programme, themed “Building a Culture of Fire Safety Across Nigeria: Embracing Preventive Measures”, seeks to strengthen fire prevention through school enlightenment campaigns, market inspections, community outreach, fire drills, and stakeholder engagements in all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

While declaring the event open in Abuja, the Comptroller-General of the Federal Fire Service, Samuel Adeyemi Olumode, highlighted the dangers of complacency.

“For decades, we have observed a common but risky attitude. Many Nigerians think fire disasters happen only to others. This mentality has created lapses in homes, offices, and markets. Fire does not discriminate; it obeys the laws of science, and when it strikes, the consequences are devastating. We must replace wishful thinking with practical preventive action,” Olumode said.

The CG stressed that fire safety should become a national culture rather than an afterthought, urging citizens to incorporate basic safety measures into daily life. These include proper electrical maintenance, regular gas cylinder checks, evacuation planning, and installation of smoke detectors.

For the first time in Nigeria’s history, Fire Safety Week will run simultaneously across all states with a uniform programme. Activities will include safety demonstrations, risk assessments, emergency drills, and sensitisation initiatives targeting schools, markets, and communities.

Olumode further noted that the FFS is modernising operations through technology to improve response times and strengthen collaboration with ministries, agencies, professional bodies, and the private sector.

“This initiative aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda and the policy direction of the Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, on enhancing national emergency preparedness. Safety is a shared responsibility,” he added.

The event also featured the presentation of bankers’ cheques to next-of-kin of firefighters who died in active service, under the Group Life Insurance scheme. Assistant Comptroller-General Gafar Kolawole Arogundade said over 13 families have benefited so far, with more claims being processed.

“The firefighters we honour today carried out their duties with courage. No amount of money can replace a life, but we hope this gesture brings comfort to their families,” Arogundade said.

Olumode appreciated insurers, private-sector partners, and senior officers for supporting the payouts, describing the initiative as a historic first for the Service. He also announced that the CG Cup Tournament, which promotes teamwork and discipline among firefighters, will now become an annual event involving other agencies.

Assuring Nigerians of readiness for the fire-prone dry season, Olumode said, “We are fully prepared. Our men are on duty 24 hours, vehicles are operational, and equipment is available. School sensitisation, as well as market and community outreach, starts immediately.”

He appealed to Nigerians to embrace responsibility, cautioning: “It may not happen to you, but it may happen to your neighbour. You must know what to do in case of fire. Be your neighbour’s keeper. Let us replace ‘not my portion’ with a culture of vigilance and preventive action. This shift is essential to save lives and build a safer Nigeria.”