The Controller General of the Federal Fire Service (FFS), Dr. Olumode Adeyemi Samuel, has inaugurated a National Task Force on Public and Private Building Audit as part of renewed efforts to enforce fire safety standards and enhance national resilience. The inauguration ceremony took place at the Service Headquarters in Abuja.

With the theme “Strengthening Fire Safety Compliance in Public Buildings: A Call to Action for National Resilience,” the event highlighted the Service’s proactive commitment to minimizing fire risks and preventing disasters through effective regulation, inspection, and public engagement.

In his address, Dr. Olumode expressed concern over the rising rate of fire incidents in major cities, citing recent tragedies such as the Afritower fire in Lagos and several plaza infernos in Abuja. He stressed the urgent need for strict enforcement of fire safety laws to protect lives, property, and critical infrastructure.

The newly inaugurated Task Force is mandated to conduct a nationwide audit of public and private buildings, classify them according to fire risk levels, assess their level of compliance with existing safety standards, and provide actionable recommendations for policy and enforcement.

Reaffirming the Federal Fire Service’s dedication to public safety, Dr. Olumode noted that, “Fire safety is not a choice but a collective responsibility we all share in building a safer nation.”

The Task Force is chaired by Assistant Controller General Bolarinde Tajudeen Muhammed, Head of the Inspection, Investigation, and Enforcement Department, with membership drawn from key directorates, including the Deputy Controller of Operations (FCT Command), Provost Marshal, National Public Relations Officer, and Legal Director, who will serve as Secretariat.

While declaring the Task Force inaugurated, the Controller General urged its members to demonstrate professionalism, integrity, and total commitment in carrying out their mandate.

He further appealed to owners and managers of public, private, and high-rise buildings across the country to grant full cooperation to the Task Force, emphasizing that such collaboration is essential for preventing disasters and achieving sustainable national safety.

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