By Comfort Olayinka
The House of Representatives Committee on Safety, Standards, and Regulations has vowed to investigate the recent wave of fire outbreaks in Lagos and other parts of the country.
The committee made the pledge during an interactive meeting with the Nigeria Federal Fire Service on Thursday in Abuja, aimed at strengthening collaboration and finding lasting solutions to the nation’s recurring safety and emergency response challenges.
Chaired by Hon. David Idris Zacharias, the session brought together key stakeholders to deliberate on the state of fire safety in Nigeria and explore strategies to enhance the efficiency of emergency response systems nationwide.
Speaking during the meeting, the Controller General of the Nigeria Fire Service, Olumode Samuel Adeyemi, commended the committee for its proactive engagement and renewed partnership with the Service.
“This is a remarkable moment for us,” Adeyemi said. “For the first time in two decades, the Nigeria Fire Service has had the opportunity to express its challenges and seek the necessary support from the legislature.”
He further urged lawmakers to fast-track the passage of the bill seeking to amend the Fire Service Act, currently before the Senate. According to him, the amendment will usher in improved safety standards, better funding, and more efficient operations across the Service.
In his remarks, Hon. Zacharias reaffirmed the National Assembly’s commitment to tackling the root causes of fire incidents through oversight and legislative interventions.
Key resolutions from the meeting included calls for stronger collaboration between the National Assembly and the Fire Service, modernization of safety protocols, and improved funding and equipment for firefighters.
If passed, the amended Fire Service Act is expected to revolutionize fire prevention efforts, enhance inter-agency coordination, and strengthen the protection of lives and property across Nigeria.
