The Network of Civil Societies for Economic Sustainability (NCSES), in collaboration with the National Association of Polytechnic Students (NAPS), has criticised the leadership of the Federal Fire Service over alleged wasteful spending and poor service delivery.

The concerns were raised on Wednesday during a press conference in Abuja, where the groups accused the agency of “ineptitude, insensitivity and reckless waste of public resources.”

According to the groups, public outrage followed a viral video allegedly showing the Comptroller General, Mr. Olumode Samuel Adeyemi, being received in Kabba with a convoy of luxury vehicles—an incident they described as a “show of affluence” that is disconnected from the realities facing both the agency and the country.

They argued that the development contradicts repeated claims by the Federal Fire Service of inadequate funding, lack of water, and insufficient modern equipment, which have been cited as key reasons for poor response to fire emergencies nationwide.

The organisations also rejected an explanation reportedly given by the Service’s spokesperson, Mr. Paul Abraham, who stated that the vehicles belonged to senior officers, including Deputy Comptrollers General (DCGs) and Assistant Comptrollers General (ACGs), describing the clarification as “unacceptable and unconvincing.”

Questioning the performance of the Comptroller General since his appointment eight months ago, the groups claimed there had been no visible achievements under his leadership.

Speaking at the briefing, NCSES Convener, Comrade Godwin G. C. Oluoha, said the continued display of luxury by the head of an agency widely criticised for inefficiency amounts to “an insult to Nigerians who depend on the service during emergencies.”

He added that the leadership of the Federal Fire Service has failed to align with the accountability standards expected under the administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

Also speaking, Comrade Mohammed A. Sakis, representing NAPS, expressed concern that no disciplinary action or official query had reportedly been issued by the supervising authority, particularly the Minister of Interior, urging relevant authorities to look into the matter.

The groups further warned that they, alongside allied organisations, may stage a peaceful occupation of the Federal Fire Service headquarters if no action is taken by the end of the week.

“Enough is enough,” the groups declared, insisting that public resources must be prioritised toward strengthening emergency response systems rather than sustaining what they described as an ostentatious lifestyle.

They further called for the removal from office of the fire service chief over the committal of the alleged infractions.