Fire service unveils mandatory warden training for organisations

The Federal Fire Service (FFS) has initiated a nationwide mandatory Fire Warden Training and Certification Programme, a significant step to bolster fire safety and emergency preparedness across Nigeria. This landmark initiative, developed in collaboration with Pilgrims Integrated Management Consult Ltd. (PIMC), aims to instill a robust fire safety culture by equipping organizations with trained in-house fire wardens.

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In a major step towards strengthening fire safety and emergency preparedness across Nigeria, the Federal Fire Service (FFS), in collaboration with Pilgrims Integrated Management Consult Ltd. (PIMC), has launched the Nationwide Mandatory Fire Warden Training and Certification Programme, a landmark initiative aimed at transforming fire safety culture across Nigeria by equipping organisations with trained In-House Fire Wardens, the first responders to fire emergencies.

These trained wardens will serve as the crucial first responders during fire emergencies. The FFS highlighted that fire outbreaks remain a leading cause of preventable loss of life and property in Nigeria. Investigations reveal that the absence of trained emergency responders within facilities often leads to delayed responses, inadequate evacuation procedures, avoidable injuries, and extensive property damage.

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Fire outbreaks remain one of the leading causes of preventable loss of lives and property in Nigeria.

Under the new program, organizations that receive an average of 50 or more persons daily are required to nominate one fire warden for every 50 staff members, occupants, students, worshippers, customers, or daily users. All nominated personnel must complete the prescribed training and obtain certification from the Federal Fire Service.

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the absence of trained emergency responders within facilities often results in delayed response, poor evacuation procedures, avoidable injuries, and extensive property damage.

The first phase of training is scheduled to begin on August 31, 2026, starting in Lagos, with registration now open. The FFS warned that facilities failing to comply with these new regulations may face sanctions, including legal penalties and the possible sealing of premises found to be unsafe for public use, as stipulated by the Federal Fire Service Act. The service emphasized that fire safety is a shared responsibility, requiring trained personnel to manage critical initial minutes of an incident.

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All nominated personnel must undergo the prescribed training and obtain certification from the Federal Fire Service.