Musa Na Allah, Sokoto
Alarmed by the growing frequency and severity of fire outbreaks ravaging homes and commercial spaces in Sokoto and surrounding areas, the Federal Fire Service has issued a grim warning over the dire consequences of widespread negligence and substandard building practices.
During a high-level courtesy visit to the Sokoto State Urban and Regional Planning Board (SURPB), the Zonal Controller of the Federal Fire Service, Zone J, Controller of Fire Muhammad Ibn Umar, delivered a scathing critique of poor urban planning, non-compliance with fire safety regulations, and reckless disregard for public safety.
He expressed deep concern over the rampant cases of infernos in both residential and business premises, emphasizing that most of these tragedies could have been avoided through compliance with fire safety protocols during the construction phase.
“Many of these structures lack fire exits, emergency staircases, hydrants, or access routes for rescue operations.
“These are not just design oversights they are potential death traps waiting to be triggered by a single spark,” Umar stated
He reiterated that urban planning must go beyond aesthetics and economic gain to prioritize the protection of lives and property.
“When buildings are erected without safety considerations, it is a ticking time bomb,” he warned.
The Controller underscored the need for developers, landlords, and property owners to obtain fire safety clearance before any construction begins, in strict compliance with the National Fire Safety Code.
“Non-compliance comes at a heavy cost.
“Violators risk fines starting from ₦250,000, imprisonment of up to two years, or both. The era of impunity is over,” Umar said.
He declared an end to the culture of neglect and nonchalance that has fueled a growing list of preventable fire tragedies in Sokoto.
“Fire is not merciful it destroys indiscriminately. We must act before it is too late.”
Welcoming the Fire Service delegation, the Special Adviser to the Sokoto Urban and Regional Planning Board, Hon. Sanusi Tukur Faru, commended their commitment to public safety and pledged full support in aligning planning policies with safety standards.
Faru acknowledged that several urban planning lapses, including narrow access roads, structural encroachments, and buildings constructed beneath high-tension power lines, have hindered timely emergency responses.
“Some of these buildings are practically unreachable during emergencies, which has cost lives. This must be urgently corrected,” he admitted.
