By Samuel Ike, Abuja

The Federal Fire Service (FFS) has called for deeper collaboration among regulators, property developers, construction professionals and other key stakeholders to strengthen fire safety standards and minimise risks across Nigeria’s built environment.The Controller General of the Federal Fire Service, CGF Samuel Adeyemi Olumode, MBA, MDRM, ACTI, FCNA, made the call on Thursday at PESTRA Tech Day 2026, held at the Marriott Hotel, GRA Ikeja, Lagos. The event was themed, “Closing the Fire Life Safety Gap in Nigeria’s Built Environment.”Delivering the keynote address, Olumode stressed that fire safety must be embedded in every stage of a building’s lifecycle, beginning from the design phase through construction, occupation, maintenance and eventual change of use.He identified unsafe building practices, inadequate fire safety installations, poor maintenance culture, low public awareness and non compliance with fire safety regulations as major factors contributing to fire incidents and vulnerabilities within the built environment.The Controller General highlighted the achievements of the National Public and Private Building Audit Task Force established by the Federal Fire Service to enhance fire prevention and regulatory compliance through systematic inspections of buildings nationwide. According to him, the initiative has continued to yield positive results by identifying fire safety deficiencies and engaging stakeholders on necessary corrective measures.He urged developers, architects, engineers, facility managers and regulatory agencies to make fire safety a fundamental component of building planning, construction and management rather than treating it as an afterthought.Olumode disclosed that the Federal Fire Service is intensifying fire prevention campaigns, public enlightenment programmes, fire warden training, operational readiness and strategic partnerships. He added that the Service is also advancing key initiatives, including the establishment of the National Fire Academy and collaborative programmes with institutions such as TETFund and the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON).The FFS boss further called on stakeholders to ensure that fire detection systems, early warning mechanisms, alarm networks, suppression equipment and evacuation facilities are properly installed, regularly maintained and fully operational throughout the lifespan of every building.He emphasised that addressing the nation’s fire safety challenges requires collective responsibility and sustained cooperation among government agencies, industry players, professionals, technology providers and local communities.Reaffirming the Service’s commitment to safeguarding lives and property, Olumode said the Federal Fire Service would continue to work closely with stakeholders to strengthen fire prevention, preparedness and emergency response mechanisms while promoting safer and more resilient communities.“Our greatest achievement should be the fires that never occur, the buildings that remain safe, the communities that are adequately prepared, and the lives that are never unnecessarily exposed to danger,” he stated.The PESTRA Tech Day 2026 brought together stakeholders from the technology, security, construction and built environment sectors to examine emerging innovations and their applications in enhancing safety and security standards across the country.The Controller General was received at the event by the Zonal Commander of the Federal Fire Service, Lagos Zonal Headquarters, ACG Baro Sonkara, and welcomed by the Managing Director of PESTRA, Mr Paul Nwokolo.