The Federal Government has unveiled plans to establish fire stations in all 109 senatorial districts nationwide in a move to curb rampant fire disasters and enhance public safety.
The announcement comes on the heels of a devastating inferno at Kano’s Singer Market, highlighting the urgent need for improved emergency response systems.
Controller General of the Federal Fire Service (FFS), Dr Olumode Samuel-Adeyemi, revealed the initiative during an on-the-spot assessment at the market following the February 14 fire, which claimed lives and destroyed property worth billions of naira. Conveying sympathies from Minister of Interior Dr Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, Samuel-Adeyemi emphasized the government’s commitment to protecting lives and national assets.
“I conducted an on-the-spot assessment of affected areas and met with market leadership to discuss preventive measures. Two similar incidents occurred in the market within weeks, resulting in significant economic loss, to this end, a fire station will be established within the market to reduce response time to incidents,” Samuel-Adeyemi stated.
The FFS chief highlighted common causes of market fires, including faulty electrical wiring, unsafe fuel storage, cooking inside shops, generator use, lithium battery installations, and unattended appliances. He appealed to Nigerians to grant fire trucks right of way, noting that while responders arrived at the Singer Market scene within 20 minutes, obstructions delayed access.
To prevent future tragedies, the FFS is ramping up public education, inspections, and enforcement through its Inspectorate and Enforcement Unit. A proposed amendment to the Fire Service Act aims to empower the service to seal non-compliant premises lacking essential fire safety equipment. Plans for additional stations at local government levels are also in advanced stages.
“We will collaborate with the Nigeria Police Force and Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps to ensure crowd control during fire incidents. We will also construct water reservoirs in major markets nationwide to enable firefighters access water promptly during emergencies,” Samuel-Adeyemi added.
He praised the Kano State Fire Service and other agencies for their cooperation, assuring continued federal support in equipment and training. This nationwide push signals a proactive shift in Nigeria’s firefighting strategy, potentially saving countless lives and billions in economic losses.
