Worried by the frequency of fire outbreaks in the country, the Federal Executive Council (FEC) has approved the establishment of the National Fire Detection and Alarm System (NAFDAS), under a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) framework to address the menace.

The partnership, which was sealed between the Federal Fire Service and Hoist Life Safety Services Limited (HOLISYS), was to detect fire outbreaks early and stop them.

Announcing the agreement, Jaji Abdulganiyu, who represented the Federal Government, and Oladimeji Adeleye on behalf of HOLISYS, said the move to quell fire disasters marked a pivotal step towards safeguarding life and property from the devastating impact of fires.

Abdulganiyu said: “The NAFDAS initiative, a ground-breaking adaptation of the Life Safety Systems Networking, Monitoring and Dispatcher Real-Time Integration (LSSNMDI), aims to stem fire outbreaks that have taken a heavy toll on both human lives and the economy, resulting in billions of naira in losses.”

He added that central to the NAFDAS project was the seamless integration of stakeholders, including governmental bodies, institutions and property owners, in a concerted effort to bolster early detection, notification and control systems.

“Through cutting-edge machine-to-machine communication links, NAFDAS will facilitate swift responses, mitigating the devastating impact of fires”

On his part, Adeleye underscored the multifaceted benefits of NAFDAS, noting its pivotal role in security, providing real-time updates on safety systems, and fostering conducive environment for investment growth.

He said stakeholders stood to gain from state-of-the-art technology for round-the-clock monitoring of estates, facilities and markets.

Moreover, NAFDAS has spearheaded the establishment of Mobile Alarm Receiving Centres across the South West region, enhancing the responsiveness of fire services and first responders. By swiftly deploying resources to the scenes of emergency, NAFDAS aims to prevent the escalation of incidents, thereby averting widespread destruction and loss.

The urgent need for such initiatives, he said, is underscored by the escalating frequency of fire outbreaks, particularly evident in economic hubs like Lagos.

“The tragic fire incident at Ladipo Pako market in 2023 serves as a stark reminder of the urgent imperative to fortify fire prevention and response measures.

“Against the backdrop of staggering economic losses totalling over N3.19 trillion between 2015 and 2022, and a staggering 1,413 per cent increase in fire outbreaks in 2022 alone, the partnership between the Federal Government and HOLISYS heralds a new era of proactive measures to safeguard lives and livelihoods across Nigeria,” he noted.

According to Adeleye, the partnership represents a significant stride in combating the escalating threat of fire outbreaks in Nigeria.

“With its focus on early detection, swift response and stakeholder collaboration, NAFDAS holds the promise of safeguarding lives, properties and the economy from the ravages of fire disaster,” he said.