The Federal Fire Service (FFS) has joined forces with the Tony Elumelu Foundation (TEF) to train 7,400 Nigerians nationwide on fire-safety awareness and preparedness.
The initiative will span all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
The partnership was formalised when Samuel Olumode, Controller-General of the FFS, led a delegation to meet Tony Elumelu in Abuja.
During the visit, Peter Ashade, Group CEO of United Capital Plc, was formally invested as a National Fire Safety Ambassador by the FFS.
“This designation recognises the Heirs Group’s significant contributions to enhancing safety consciousness and advancing community-focused fire safety initiatives nationwide,” said FFS spokesperson Paul O. Abraham.
The training program will equip 200 people per state, totaling 7,400 participants, with essential fire-prevention skills, early warning practices and basic emergency response procedures.
Abraham explained that trainees will “serve as fire safety advocates within their communities, creating a multiplier effect that promotes vigilance and responsible safety behavior nationwide.”
Tony Elumelu highlighted the importance of raising fire-safety awareness at the grassroots. “Empowering citizens with practical, life-saving knowledge will significantly improve national resilience and reduce both the frequency and severity of fire outbreaks,” he said.
The FFS Controller-General described the partnership as a milestone in Nigeria’s shift from reactive fire response to a preventive, community-centered approach. He pledged that the training would be delivered “with professionalism, transparency, and measurable impact across all zones.”
The initiative comes amid growing concern over fire disasters in Nigeria. Recent incidents, including the Afriland Towers fire in Lagos, have underscored the need for stronger fire-preparedness education. In response, the federal government has launched a nationwide audit of public and private buildings to enforce fire-safety compliance.
