The Federal Government has called on wealthy Nigerians, philanthropists, business leaders and corporate organisations to invest in fire stations across the country.
The government said firefighting is a collective duty, not for government alone.
Controller General of the Federal Fire Service (FFS), Adeyemi Samuel Olumode, made the call at a One-Day National Stakeholders Summit on Fire Safety held on Thursday in Abuja.
The summit also marked one year since he assumed office on August 14, 2025.
The Service also inducted 37 Public Relations Officers drawn from 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) into the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR).
How Private Investment Can Cut Response Time
Adeyemi, speaking on the theme “Building a Resilient Fire Service for the 21st Century,” said Nigeria needs many strategically located fire stations to bring emergency response closer to communities.
He cited the Offa Descendants Association Fire Station, Oyo Town Fire Station, Idanre Fire Station, Bonny Island Fire Station and Kugbo Fire Station as proof of what private support can achieve.
He said such projects are investments in lives and property, not just charity.
He listed achievements in the past year to include rehabilitation of 40 firefighting appliances, supply of two modern appliances and over 2,000 pieces of personal protective equipment, and training of more than 700 cadet officers deployed across commands.
He added that the Service improved specialised capacity through counter-terrorism training with the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) and the armed forces, plus upgrades to the National Fire Academy.
“This is much more than issuing certificates. We are professionalising the way the Federal Fire Service communicates with Nigerians. Our PROs must understand strategic communication, crisis communication, media relations, stakeholder engagement, public education, reputation management and the challenges created by misinformation, particularly during emergencies,” he said.
New PROs, Partners And Public Role During Fires
Adeyemi said the induction is historic, the first time officers from all states and FCT were trained together for professional certification.
He said, “A fire incident is not only an operational occurrence but also a communication one.”
He commended the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) for collaboration on fire safety in tertiary institutions, and the Tony Elumelu Foundation for partnering on fire safety training for 7,740 Nigerians, targeting 10 persons per local government area.
He also thanked the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR) and Rightangle PR for support.
He asked the public to give fire trucks clear passage, avoid crowding scenes and share verified information.
WhatsApp Channel
Telegram Channel
