By 'Seun Ibukun-Oni, Abuja
DAILY COURIER – In a significant move to address youth unemployment and enhance national safety, a private sector-led initiative is set to train 6,000 Nigerian youths as Fire Extinguisher Servicing Vendors (FESV). This groundbreaking program, supported by the Federal Ministry of Interior, aims to equip young Nigerians with critical skills in fire safety while tackling the proliferation of substandard fire extinguishers in the market.
The initiative, driven by private sector players in collaboration with government agencies, underscores the growing role of non-state actors in addressing national challenges. It also aligns with the vision of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration, which has prioritized youth empowerment and public safety through strategic appointments such as Dr. Olubumi Tunji-Ojo as the Honorable Minister of Interior.
The FESV training program is designed to achieve several key objectives. First, it seeks to curb the activities of fake importers and illegal manufacturers of fire extinguishers, ensuring that only quality products are available in the market. This will not only enhance public safety but also boost consumer confidence in fire safety equipment.
Second, the program will promote awareness about the proper use of fire extinguishers, particularly in high-risk environments such as petroleum tankers and other articulated vehicles. By ensuring that tankers carry the appropriate type and size of fire extinguishers, the initiative aims to prevent fuel-related explosions and save lives.
Third, the project will create thousands of jobs in fire extinguisher servicing, distribution, and pre-enforcement data collection. Trained FESVs will be deployed to strategic locations across the country to service fire extinguishers booked by enforcement teams and safety-conscious citizens. They will also serve as sales agents for manufacturers and importers under the National Fire Extinguisher Certification (NFEC) aggregator program.
Beyond its safety benefits, the initiative is expected to significantly boost Nigeria’s internally generated revenue (IGR). By regulating the fire extinguisher market and tracking failed equipment, the program aims to block economic loopholes and generate revenue through taxes, levies, and penalties.
The initiative builds on the success of similar programs, such as the NFEC’s Pre-Enforcement Data Collector (PDC) project in Benue State, which created over 2,000 jobs for youths in 2024. With over 70,000 buildings already identified for joint enforcement by the Federal Fire Service, State Fire Services, and other agencies, the NFEC program has the potential to create over 100,000 jobs nationwide and generate more than ₦500 million annually for each state.
The FESV initiative comes at a critical time for Nigeria, where youth unemployment remains a pressing issue. Recent statistics indicate that over 50% of Nigerian youths are unemployed, with many more underemployed. By providing training and employment opportunities in a high-demand sector, the private sector is stepping up to address this challenge.
According to a reliable source from the Office of the Controller-General of the Federal Fire Service, plans are already underway to commence public announcements for the training program. Interested youths will bear the cost of training, but project managers are encouraged to seek support from organizations and individuals to subsidize costs for indigent candidates.
The initiative highlights the importance of collaboration between the private sector, government agencies, and fintech companies. The media team behind the project has pledged to work with fintech platforms to create funding opportunities for trainees through the NFEC window. Further updates, including the launch of the training registration portal, will be communicated to the public in due course.
The FESV training program represents a significant step forward in Nigeria’s efforts to empower its youth, enhance public safety, and stimulate economic growth. As the private sector takes the lead in driving this transformative initiative, Nigerian youths can look forward to a future filled with opportunities and hope.
With the combined efforts of the Federal Fire Service, FRSC, and other stakeholders, this initiative is poised to make a lasting impact on the lives of thousands of Nigerians and the nation as a whole.
