Fixing Nigeria’s Fire Service: What’s Broken and How to Improve It

What is it about?

The article explores the real-life struggles of Nigerian firefighters and why urgent reforms are needed. It matters because lives, property, and public trust are at stake. This article investigates the serious problems facing the Nigeria Fire Service (NFS). It’s based on interviews with 15 experienced fire commanders who share what it’s really like to fight fires in Nigeria. The study highlights: Too few fire stations for the population, making response times dangerously slow. Outdated equipment and poor infrastructure, like broken fire trucks and no water hydrants. Lack of proper training for firefighters, with many not receiving updates for years. Public hostility, where angry crowds sometimes attack firefighters for arriving late—often due to traffic or lack of resources. Government neglect, with little funding or support to improve the service.

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Photo by Hush Naidoo Jade Photography on Unsplash

Photo by Hush Naidoo Jade Photography on Unsplash

Why is it important?

Lives and property are at risk: Fires are frequent and deadly in Nigeria, causing billions in damage and worsening poverty. Public safety is failing: The fire service is supposed to protect people, but without proper tools and support, it can’t do its job. It affects everyone: Poor fire response hurts families, businesses, and the economy. It also damages trust in public institutions. The study offers solutions: By understanding the challenges from the firefighters’ perspective, the article suggests reforms at three levels—government (macro), society (meso), and within the fire service itself (micro). This research is a wake-up call for Nigerian policymakers and communities to take fire safety seriously and invest in fixing the system

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