Ekiti Private Fire Providers Reaffirm Partnership with State Service

The Association of Private Fire Service Providers in Ekiti State has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening collaboration with the state fire service to improve fire prevention and safety management across the state. The pledge was made during a strategic engagement with the Permanent Secretary overseeing Fire Services in the Ministry of Infrastructure and Public Utilities, Toyin Ojelabi-Pedro, in Ado-Ekiti.

During the meeting, Ojelabi-Pedro emphasized that prevention remains more cost-effective and impactful than emergency response. She noted that proactive enforcement of safety regulations, routine inspections, and public awareness campaigns are essential to achieving the state’s zero-incident fire safety goal.

She clarified the statutory responsibilities under the Ekiti State Fire Service Law, stating that the state fire service retains authority over emergency response coordination, licensing, and equipment regulation. Private providers, meanwhile, are mandated to focus on supply, installation, and maintenance of fire safety devices.

The ministry warned that individuals or firms operating outside the recognised association framework must register with the government before conducting business, stressing that defaulters will face sanctions.

Observers say the renewed collaboration could strengthen compliance in high-risk facilities such as filling stations, schools, markets, and commercial centres, ultimately reducing fire-related losses in the state.