Singer Market Fire: FG Announces Plan To Establish Fire Stations Across 109 Senatorial Districts

The Federal Government has concluded plans to establish fire stations across all the 109 senatorial districts in the country as part of measures to strengthen emergency response and curb recurring fire disasters.

Naija News reports that the Controller-General of the Federal Fire Service, Olumode Samuel-Adeyemi, disclosed this during an on-the-spot assessment visit to Singer Market in Kano State following the February 14 fire incident.

Samuel-Adeyemi said the initiative forms part of broader efforts by the Federal Government to mitigate fire disasters, protect lives and property, and secure national assets.

According to him, the service is also considering the establishment of fire posts in major markets and vulnerable public facilities across the country.

He noted that a dedicated fire post would be set up at Singer Market to address recurring fire outbreaks and improve response time.

The Controller-General, who conveyed the message of the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, sympathised with the government and people of Kano State, especially traders and residents affected by the incident.

He described the visit as part of ongoing efforts to strengthen emergency response and improve safety in public infrastructure.

“I conducted an on-the-spot assessment of affected areas and met with market leadership to discuss preventive measures.

“Two similar incidents occurred in the market within weeks, resulting in significant economic loss. To this end, a fire station will be established within the market to reduce response time to incidents,” he said.

Samuel-Adeyemi appealed to Nigerians to always give right of way to fire trucks, revealing that although firefighters responded to the Singer Market incident within 20 minutes, access to the scene was hindered by obstruction.

He identified faulty electrical wiring, unsafe fuel storage, cooking inside shops, the use of generators, lithium battery installations, and unattended electrical appliances as major causes of market fires.

On preventive measures, the CG said the service had intensified public enlightenment campaigns and inspections through its Inspectorate and Enforcement Unit to ensure compliance with fire safety standards.

He added that the proposed amendment of the Fire Service Act would strengthen enforcement powers, including the sealing of premises that fail to install required fire safety equipment.

Samuel-Adeyemi also disclosed that plans to establish fire stations across senatorial districts and local government areas had reached an advanced stage.

“We will collaborate with the Nigeria Police Force and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps  (NSCDC) to ensure crowd control during fire incidents.

“We will also construct water reservoirs in major markets nationwide to enable firefighters access water promptly during emergencies,” he said.

He commended the Kano State Fire Service and other emergency agencies for their cooperation, assuring continued federal support in equipment provision and personnel training.