The Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, has launched a major reform drive aimed at eliminating fake and substandard fire extinguishers in Nigeria, while creating more than 150,000 jobs for young people.
The initiative, known as the Nigeria Fire Extinguisher Control (NFEC) initiative, is being developed in collaboration with the Federal Fire Service, led by Controller-General Olumode Samuel Adeyemi.
Speaking on the reform the source of the Ministry of Interior and Federal Fire Service described the widespread circulation of fake, expired and poorly maintained fire extinguishers as a long-standing threat to public safety. He noted that many Nigerians unknowingly purchase defective equipment that fails during emergencies, often with devastating consequences.
The NFEC initiative is designed to address these risks through a comprehensive regulatory framework that will ensure all fire extinguishers in circulation are certified, traceable, and properly maintained. The programme will also clamp down on illegal operators and unregulated roadside servicing.
Beyond safety concerns, the initiative is positioned as a major employment driver. According to the Ministry, over 150,000 direct jobs will be created nationwide by replacing informal vendors with trained and certified professionals responsible for the production, distribution, installation, and servicing of fire extinguishers. Officials say the reform will also plug revenue leakages and strengthen institutional capacity by introducing a system that enables authorities to register, track, and monitor fire safety equipment from manufacture to end use.
A source from the Ministry of Interior and Fire Service further revealed that most existing serving vendors are faceless, illegal and very unprofessional. That Ministry will liase with both state and federal Fire service to organize Free training on extinguisher servicing while participating pay for their tools. Arrangements will also be made with banks and other associates youth empowerment programs to assist indigent once
The government believes the move will bring an end to the proliferation of counterfeit extinguishers, expired cylinders, and substandard servicing practices, while improving public confidence in safety equipment.
The initiative is also expected to enhance collaboration between federal and state fire services, alongside other emergency response agencies, with a focus on public education, safety training, and improved preparedness. Stakeholders have welcomed the development, describing it as a practical step toward addressing everyday safety challenges and boosting youth employment.
With full backing from the Interior Ministry and operational support from the Federal Fire Service, the NFEC initiative is set to redefine fire safety standards in Nigeria—combining stricter regulation with job creation to protect lives and property nationwide.
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