By Dr Nafisat Makinde
The Federal Fire Service has called for a national shift from complacency to vigilance as the 2025 Fire Safety Week ended in Abuja with renewed commitments to technology, stronger interagency coordination and improved personnel capacity.
The weeklong campaign, themed “Building a Culture of Fire Safety Across Nigeria: Overcoming the Not My Portion Mentality,” ran from November 17 to 21 and recorded what officials described as unprecedented participation across states and the FCT.
Controller General of the Service, Samuel Olumode-Adeyemi, represented by the Deputy Controller General in charge of Human Resources, Muazu Tambari, urged Nigerians to adopt proactive safety habits that prioritise prevention.
He said the Service would strengthen training, modernise operational systems and expand community outreach to enhance public engagement. According to him, fire safety is evolving globally and Nigeria must keep pace by embracing technology, boosting coordination with sister agencies and investing in personnel capability.
Olumode-Adeyemi commended stakeholders for adhering to safety standards and supporting nationwide sensitisation efforts, noting that their contributions remain vital to protecting lives and property.
Former Secretary of the Civil Defence, Correctional, Fire and Immigration Services Board, Dr Alhassan Yakmut, and the Director General of NIGCOMSAT, Mrs Nkechi, delivered goodwill messages praising fire personnel for their dedication and courage.
A highlight of the ceremony was the presentation of awards to organisations that demonstrated exceptional compliance with fire safety standards. Music icon Tuface Idibia was also decorated as National Fire Safety Ambassador in recognition of his role in promoting fire safety awareness across the country.
