The Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, has launched a sweeping reform initiative aimed at eliminating fake and substandard fire extinguishers across Nigeria, while creating over 150,000 jobs for young people.
The initiative, tagged the Nigeria Fire Extinguisher Control (NFEC) programme, is being implemented in collaboration with the Federal Fire Service, under the leadership of Controller-General Olumode Samuel Adeyemi.
Speaking on the development, the Minister described the proliferation of counterfeit, expired, and poorly maintained fire extinguishers as a persistent threat to public safety. He noted that many Nigerians unknowingly purchase defective equipment that often fails during emergencies, leading to avoidable losses.
Tunji-Ojo explained that the NFEC initiative will introduce a comprehensive regulatory framework to ensure that all fire extinguishers in circulation are certified, traceable, and properly maintained. The programme will also target illegal operators and unregulated roadside servicing practices.
Beyond addressing safety concerns, the initiative is positioned as a significant driver of employment. According to the Ministry, more than 150,000 direct jobs will be created nationwide by transitioning from informal vendors to a structured system of trained and certified professionals responsible for the production, distribution, installation, and servicing of fire extinguishers.
Officials added that the reform would help plug revenue leakages and strengthen institutional capacity through a robust monitoring system that tracks fire safety equipment from manufacture to end use.
The government expressed confidence that the initiative would curb the spread of counterfeit extinguishers, eliminate expired cylinders, and improve maintenance standards, thereby boosting public trust in safety equipment.
The NFEC programme is also expected to deepen collaboration between federal and state fire services, alongside other emergency response agencies, with increased focus on public awareness, safety education, and emergency preparedness.
Stakeholders have welcomed the move, describing it as a timely intervention to address everyday safety risks while creating meaningful employment opportunities for Nigerian youths.
With strong backing from the Interior Ministry and operational support from the Federal Fire Service, the NFEC initiative is poised to redefine fire safety standards nationwide, combining stricter regulation with job creation to better protect lives and property.
