The Federal Fire Service has introduced a nationwide mandatory Fire Warden Training and Certification Programme for organisations that receive an average of 50 or more people daily, marking a significant step towards improving fire prevention and emergency preparedness across Nigeria.
The initiative, announced on Friday, forms part of a broader reform agenda unveiled by the Controller-General of the Federal Fire Service, Olumode Samuel Adeyemi, to transform Nigeria’s firefighting system into a technology-driven, prevention-focused emergency response institution.
According to the Service, organisations covered under the programme must nominate one Fire Warden for every 50 staff members, occupants, students, worshippers, customers or average daily users of their facilities.
All nominated personnel will undergo mandatory training and obtain certification from the Federal Fire Service before assuming the role.
Registration has commenced, while the first phase of training will begin on August 31, 2026, in Lagos before expanding nationwide.
The Service warned that facilities that fail to comply could face sanctions under the Federal Fire Service Act, including legal penalties and the sealing of unsafe premises.
Officials said many fire disasters across the country have been worsened by delayed emergency response, poor evacuation procedures and the absence of trained in-house responders capable of containing fires before firefighters arrive.
Describing fire safety as a shared responsibility, the Federal Fire Service said trained Fire Wardens would provide immediate intervention during the critical early stages of fire emergencies.
The certification programme forms part of a comprehensive reform package being implemented by Controller-General Olumode Samuel Adeyemi.
He said his vision is to build a technologically driven, highly professional and globally respected fire service capable of protecting lives, property, critical national assets and the environment.
Central to that vision is the National Fire Academy in Sheda, Abuja, which is nearing completion and is expected to become Nigeria’s premier centre for specialised firefighting and emergency response training.
The academy will provide advanced instruction in CBRN incidents, hazardous materials management, aviation emergencies, industrial disasters, urban search and rescue operations and modern incident command systems.
The Federal Fire Service is also strengthening partnerships with agencies including NEMA, FRSC, the Nigeria Police Force, the Armed Forces, the United Nations, the World Bank, Afreximbank, ASR Africa and the Tony Elumelu Foundation.
One of the major initiatives under the collaboration is the annual training of about 7,400 Community Fire Volunteers across all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory to improve community-based emergency response.
Technology will play a central role in the reforms.
The Service plans to launch a mobile application that will enable Nigerians to instantly report fire incidents by sending photographs, locations and emergency alerts directly to the national command centre.
It is also deploying drones for aerial surveillance, GIS technology for fire risk mapping, digital dispatch systems and modern rescue equipment to improve response times.
To strengthen nationwide coverage, the Federal Fire Service plans to establish fire stations in every senatorial district, all local government headquarters and major markets.
The Federal Government is also recruiting about 5,000 additional personnel who will receive specialised training before deployment.
Adeyemi said proposed amendments to the Federal Fire Service Act would strengthen the legal framework for expanded Fire Warden and Fire Marshal programmes, while newly introduced awards for outstanding firefighters are expected to encourage professionalism and operational excellence.
The reforms come as Nigeria continues to witness recurring fire outbreaks in markets, residential communities, public institutions and industrial facilities, with many incidents linked to poor safety compliance, electrical faults and inadequate emergency preparedness.
Authorities believe the ongoing reforms will reposition the Federal Fire Service from a largely reactive organisation to one that places equal emphasis on prevention, preparedness and rapid emergency response.
