The Federal Fire Service (FFS) has begun a nationwide audit of public and private buildings across Nigeria to ensure compliance with fire safety regulations and improve national preparedness against emergencies.
The exercise, which commenced on Wednesday in Abuja, is being coordinated by the Task Force on Public and Private Building Audit, inaugurated by the Controller General of the FFS, Olumode Samuel Adeyemi (FCNA, ACTI), on October 14, 2025.
According to the Service, the initiative was prompted by the recent Afriland Tower fire incident in Lagos, which underscored the urgent need for stricter enforcement of fire safety standards nationwide.
A Shift Toward Prevention and Preparedness
Speaking at the launch, Controller General Adeyemi emphasized that the audit represents a major step in the Service’s strategy to prioritize fire prevention, preparedness, and compliance enforcement under the National Fire Safety Code.
“Safety consciousness and adherence to regulations remain the most effective ways to protect lives and property across the country,” Adeyemi said.
He explained that the audit will be extended to all State Fire Commands to ensure that both public and private structures comply with established fire safety requirements, including the installation of extinguishers, smoke detectors, emergency exits, and fire alarms.
Nationwide Implementation
The FFS announced that the exercise will cover offices, schools, hospitals, hotels, markets, high-rise buildings, and residential complexes, adding that the inspection teams will also evaluate risk assessment documentation, evacuation procedures, and safety training compliance.
The Service appealed to property owners, managers, and occupants to cooperate with officials for a transparent and effective inspection process.
“Fire safety is a shared duty,” Adeyemi stated, clarifying that the assessment was not designed to penalize but to foster a culture of prevention and accountability in building management.
Post-Afriland Tower Response
The Afriland Tower fire, which occurred in September 2025 in Lagos, had raised fresh concerns about building safety standards in Nigeria’s commercial hubs. The incident caused widespread panic and prompted renewed scrutiny of fire risk management in both private and government-owned properties.
Officials say lessons learned from the incident are guiding the current nationwide safety review to ensure that similar disasters are prevented through proactive enforcement.
Adeyemi added that the audit would be followed by public sensitization campaigns and capacity building for safety officers across states to sustain the culture of prevention.
A Call for Collective Responsibility
The FFS reiterated that while it is responsible for enforcement, citizen participation remains vital in achieving fire-safe communities.
“Every building inspected is a life potentially saved,” Adeyemi said. “Together, we can build a culture where fire safety becomes a daily responsibility, not an afterthought.”
