Ismail Shuaib
ABUJA: The Federal Fire Service FFS on Tuesday inaugurated a Special Task Force on Public and Private Building Audit as part of renewed efforts to strengthen fire safety compliance and reduce incidents of avoidable disasters nationwide.
Speaking at the Service Headquarters in Abuja, Controller General of the FFS, Olumode Adeyemi Samuel, said the initiative was driven by the alarming frequency of fire outbreaks in major cities, citing recent incidents such as the Afritower inferno in Lagos and recurring plaza fires in Abuja.
He said the Task Force would map public buildings across the country, classify them by their fire risk levels, inspect facilities to determine compliance with fire safety regulations, and provide comprehensive recommendations to guide enforcement and policy actions.
“Fire safety is not a choice but a shared responsibility. We are committed to protecting lives, property, and critical national assets,” Adeyemi declared.
The 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), Provost Marshal, National PRO, and the Legal Director, who will serve as Secretariat.
Declaring the Task Force inaugurated, Adeyemi charged members to conduct their assignment with professionalism, integrity, and dedication to the Service’s mandate of safeguarding public and private spaces.
He also appealed to owners and managers of public, private, and high-rise buildings to extend full cooperation to the team during the audit exercise.
