In a bold effort to strengthen fire safety standards and boost national resilience, the Controller General of the Federal Fire Service (FFS), Dr. Olumode Adeyemi Samuel, has officially inaugurated a Special Task Force on Public and Private Building Audit at the Service Headquarters, Abuja.

Themed “Strengthening Fire Safety Compliance in Public Buildings: A Call to Action for National Resilience,” the event reflects the renewed determination of the Federal Fire Service to promote proactive fire risk management and prevent future tragedies.

Addressing the gathering, Dr. Olumode emphasized the increasing frequency of fire outbreaks in major cities, citing the recent Afritower fire in Lagos and several plaza fires in Abuja as clear evidence of the need for stricter enforcement of fire safety regulations in both public and private structures.

He outlined the mandate of the newly inaugurated Task Force, which includes: conducting a nationwide audit of public buildings and classifying them based on fire risk levels; inspecting facilities to assess their compliance with fire safety standards; and providing actionable recommendations to guide enforcement and policy decisions.

Reaffirming the Service’s commitment to protecting lives, property, and national infrastructure, the Controller General stated that “fire safety is not optional—it is a collective responsibility.”

The Special Task Force, chaired by Assistant Controller General Bolarinde Tajudeen Muhammed, Head of the Inspection, Investigation, and Enforcement Department, comprises senior officers including the Deputy Controller of Operations (FCT Command), the Provost Marshal, the National Public Relations Officer, and the Legal Director, who will serve as Secretariat.

Declaring the Task Force officially inaugurated, Dr. Olumode charged members to approach their duties with professionalism, honesty, and unwavering dedication to the Service’s mandate of ensuring safer public and private environments.

He also appealed to owners and managers of public, private, and high-rise buildings nationwide to cooperate fully with the Task Force during the audit exercise for the collective good of all Nigerians.

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