The Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service has inaugurated a Fire Marshal Club and organised a Safety Walk as part of efforts to strengthen community participation in fire prevention and emergency response across the state.
The initiative, announced in a statement by the Lagos State Government on Sunday, is aimed at reducing fire outbreaks and improving safety awareness among residents.
The Safety Walk took place in Ikeja, the state capital. It began at the Service Headquarters in Alausa, moved through the Ikeja Fire Station, and returned to the headquarters. Officials said the walk was designed to sensitise residents on fire safety measures and encourage them to take responsibility for preventing fire incidents in their homes, markets, and workplaces.
Speaking during the event, the Controller General of the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service, Mrs Margaret Adeseye, said that although fire outbreaks remain a serious concern in Lagos, there has been a slight reduction in recorded cases between 2024 and 2025.
According to her, this improvement shows that awareness campaigns and stronger enforcement of safety rules are beginning to produce results. However, she warned that more needs to be done.
“While fire outbreaks may not be completely eradicated, they can be significantly minimised through collective responsibility, strict compliance with safety measures, and active community engagement,” she said.
Adeseye explained that the Fire Marshal system is a globally recognised, community-based volunteer structure that strengthens fire prevention efforts. She noted that the creation of Fire Marshal Clubs in markets, commercial centres, schools, and residential communities across Lagos would improve emergency preparedness and ensure quicker response when incidents occur.
She added that members of the club would receive proper training. They would be equipped with basic knowledge on how to prevent fires, identify risks, and respond appropriately before professional firefighters arrive.
Lagos is Nigeria’s commercial capital and one of the most populated cities in Africa. With its large population, busy markets, fuel stations, factories, and residential estates, the risk of fire outbreaks remains high.
Over the years, several markets and business districts have experienced major fires, leading to loss of goods worth millions of naira. In some cases, lives have also been lost. Many of these incidents were linked to electrical faults, gas explosions, careless handling of flammable materials, and other unsafe practices.
At the event, fire safety expert and health and safety advocate, Dr Julius Agbo, commended the government’s initiative. He described the Fire Marshal Club as a strong support system for the state government’s safety efforts.
He cited research findings that show about 95 per cent of fire incidents and accidents are caused by unsafe human actions. According to him, this highlights the need for continuous public education and behavioural change.
“If people are properly educated and reminded about safety rules, many of these incidents can be avoided,” he said.
Also speaking at the programme, the General Manager of the Lagos State Command and Control Centre, Mr Femi Giwa, stressed the importance of inter-agency collaboration in managing emergencies.
He said emergency management in Lagos requires cooperation between different government agencies, including the fire service, police, health services, and traffic management authorities. He noted that this approach aligns with Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s THEMES Plus Agenda, which focuses on improving infrastructure, public safety, and service delivery in the state.
Giwa explained that trained Fire Marshals would serve as important links between their communities and emergency responders. In cases of fire or other emergencies, they can quickly contact the appropriate authorities using designated toll-free emergency numbers and provide useful information that will help responders act faster.
The Lagos State Command and Control Centre operates emergency hotlines that residents can call during crises. Over the years, the centre has helped coordinate responses to road accidents, medical emergencies, and fire outbreaks.
Officials say that by placing trained volunteers within communities, the time between the start of a fire and the arrival of professional firefighters can be reduced. This could make a major difference in limiting damage.
The introduction of the Fire Marshal Club reflects a growing belief that emergency response should not be left to government agencies alone. Instead, communities must take an active role in protecting themselves.
Under the new system, market leaders, community development associations, school authorities, and business owners are expected to nominate responsible individuals to join the club. These members will undergo training sessions conducted by the fire service.
They will learn how to use basic firefighting equipment such as fire extinguishers and fire blankets. They will also be taught evacuation procedures and how to guide people to safety during emergencies.
Officials believe that this grassroots approach will help create a safety culture in Lagos. When residents are aware of fire risks and know what to do, panic can be reduced and lives can be saved.
The Lagos State Government said the inauguration of the Fire Marshal Club marks another important step in its commitment to protecting lives and property through prevention, partnership, and improved emergency response.
In recent years, the state government has invested in modern firefighting equipment, new fire stations, and training programmes for personnel. Authorities say these efforts are part of a broader strategy to make Lagos safer for residents and businesses.
Despite these efforts, officials acknowledge that the size and population of Lagos make fire management a continuous challenge. Informal settlements, poor building standards in some areas, and illegal electrical connections remain major concerns.
However, with the launch of the Fire Marshal Club and continued public sensitisation campaigns, the government is hopeful that more residents will take safety seriously.
As the Safety Walk ended at the Service Headquarters in Alausa, participants expressed optimism that the initiative would lead to stronger community involvement and fewer fire disasters.
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