FG Begins Nationwide Fire Safety Audit Of Public And Private Buildings

THE Federal Government has started a nationwide fire safety inspection to ensure that public and private buildings across Nigeria meet approved safety standards.

The announcement was made on Wednesday by Paul Abraham, spokesperson of the Federal Fire Service (FFS).

According to the Controller General of the FFS, Samuel Olumode, many buildings in Nigeria fail to follow basic fire safety rules, leading to avoidable tragedies.

“Our goal is to prevent fires before they happen. We are working to keep people safe and protect property,” Olumode said.

Nationwide Inspection Team

The FFS has created a special inspection team that will:

• Visit and inspect buildings across all states

• Assess each building’s level of fire risk

• Check compliance with national fire safety laws

• Recommend safety improvements and guide government policies

Olumode urged the officers to carry out their work with integrity, honesty, and professionalism, saying transparency is key to public trust.

He also appealed to building owners and managers to cooperate with the inspection team.

“This exercise is for the safety of everyone. We ask all property owners to support our officers and comply fully,” he added.

Fire Statistics and Safety Concerns

Data from the FFS shows that in 2024, fire outbreaks in Nigeria:

• Killed over 100 people

• Destroyed property worth about ₦67.1 billion

However, the service also reported that it:

• Saved property valued at ₦1.94 trillion, and

• Rescued 30,890 people from fire incidents.

Most of these fires were caused by poor safety practices, especially at fuel stations, petrol tankers, and homes using cooking gas.

Promoting a Safer Nigeria

The Federal Government’s new fire audit is part of its broader plan to strengthen public safety and reduce disasters nationwide.

The FFS is calling on Nigerians to follow safety rules, install fire alarms, and avoid risky practices that often lead to preventable fires.

“Together, we can make Nigeria safer for everyone,” the Controller General said.