6,000 Nigerian Youths to Ignite Careers in Fire Safety Training Initiative
By Raymond Enoch
A groundbreaking initiative is set to train 6,000 Nigerian youths as Fire Extinguisher Servicing Vendors (FESV), equipping them with essential skills that will enhance both their employability and national safety.
This ambitious program aligns with the strategic vision of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, whose administration, through the Ministry of Interior under Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, continues to drive impactful reforms.
Empowering Youths, Enhancing Safety
The FESV training program is designed to achieve multiple objectives, including curbing fake fire extinguisher imports, eliminating illegal manufacturers, and raising awareness about fire safety. Beyond skills acquisition, this initiative will create employment in servicing, distribution, and data gathering—key aspects of fire safety enforcement.
Additionally, the program aims to strengthen the Federal Fire Service (FFS) and Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) collaboration by ensuring fire extinguishers in articulated vehicles meet the right specifications. Properly serviced fire extinguishers can prevent fuel tanker explosions, thereby saving lives and property.
The initiative is also expected to contribute to Nigeria’s internally generated revenue (IGR) by regulating vendors, tracking failed fire extinguishers, and preventing tax losses from illegal operations. If implemented nationwide, the Ministry of Interior’s National Fire Extinguisher Compliance (NFEC) program could generate over ₦500 million annually for each state through levies, penalties, and taxes while creating over 100,000 jobs.
Participants trained as FESVs will be deployed to key locations where they will service fire extinguishers booked through FRSC/FFS enforcement teams and safety-conscious citizens. Additionally, they will serve as authorized sales agents for fire extinguisher manufacturers and importers under the NFEC aggregator program.
This initiative follows the success of the Benue State government, which created over 2,000 jobs for youths as Pre-Enforcement Data Collectors (PDC) in 2024. Currently, more than 70,000 buildings are ready for joint enforcement by the Federal Fire Service, State Fire Services, SON, and NSCDC.
According to sources from the office of the Controller-General of the Federal Fire Service and the project manager, Messrs 2TOC Solutions Ltd, preparations are in top gear to launch public registration for the FESV training. While trainees will cover their own costs, project managers are calling on organizations and well-meaning individuals to subsidize fees for indigent youths.
In collaboration with fintech companies, the NFEC window may offer financial support for aspiring trainees. Details on the training registration portal will be announced soon.
This initiative is a significant step towards reducing youth unemployment and strengthening Nigeria’s fire safety framework—creating a safer and more economically empowered society.
