Electrical Safety Crisis: Experts Link 70% of Nigeria's Fire Outbreaks to Substandard Cables
The Managing Director of Zobis Cable Nigeria Ltd, Mr. Alozie Louis Thaddeus, has raised serious concerns about the alarming frequency of fire outbreaks across Nigeria, attributing more than 70 percent of these incidents to the widespread use of substandard and adulterated electrical cables.
Growing Concern Over National Fire Disasters
Thaddeus expressed deep alarm during a recent visit to the Controller General of the Federal Fire Service, Engr. S. A. Olumode, in Abuja, highlighting the devastating loss of lives, property, and critical infrastructure resulting from preventable fire disasters nationwide. He emphasized that the current rate of fire outbreaks has reached a critical level requiring immediate and concerted intervention from all stakeholders.
The electrical expert identified several key factors contributing to the crisis:
- Faulty electrical materials and poor-quality cables
- Unprofessional installation practices by untrained artisans
- Weak maintenance culture across residential and commercial properties
- Widespread circulation of counterfeit electrical products
Call for Coordinated National Response
Thaddeus stressed the urgent need for a collective response involving regulators, safety agencies, manufacturers, and consumers to address what he described as a major threat to national safety. He warned that the proliferation of substandard electrical materials continues to undermine established safety standards and exposes millions of Nigerians to preventable risks in their homes, offices, and industrial facilities.
"The proliferation of substandard electrical materials is a major threat to lives and property," Thaddeus stated. "Tackling this challenge requires coordinated action from all stakeholders—from manufacturers producing quality products to consumers making informed purchasing decisions."
Proposed Partnership for Public Awareness
During the meeting, Zobis Group proposed a strategic partnership with the Federal Fire Service to launch comprehensive advocacy campaigns across all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory. The initiative would focus on consumer education about electrical safety and promote the use of certified electrical products that meet national standards.
Thaddeus reaffirmed his company's commitment to supporting government policies aimed at eliminating inferior electrical materials from the market and improving overall infrastructure safety across Nigeria. He emphasized that proper installation practices and regular maintenance are equally crucial components of electrical safety.
Fire Service Endorses Prevention-First Approach
Controller General Engr. Olumode welcomed the initiative, describing it as timely and necessary. He confirmed that electrical faults remain one of the most common causes of fire incidents handled by the Federal Fire Service, with many preventable through proper materials and installation.
"Prevention remains the most effective approach to fire safety, and collaboration with credible manufacturers is key to reducing these incidents," Olumode emphasized. "Many of the fires we respond to nationwide could have been avoided through the use of certified electrical materials and adherence to proper installation standards."
Agreement on Sustained Engagement
Both organizations agreed to deepen stakeholder engagement through multiple channels, including:
- Public sensitization programs about electrical safety
- Training programs for electrical artisans and technicians
- Community awareness campaigns on safe installation practices
- Collaboration with regulatory bodies to enforce standards
The Federal Fire Service emphasized that while response capabilities are important, preventing fires through proper electrical safety measures represents a more sustainable approach to protecting lives and property across Nigeria.
Recent Fire Incident Highlights Urgency
The discussion comes against the backdrop of recent fire disasters, including a December incident in Abuja's Asokoro district where a fire reportedly originating from solar panels gutted four blocks of three-bedroom flats, causing extensive property damage. Such incidents underscore the critical need for improved electrical safety standards and practices nationwide.
As Nigeria continues to grapple with frequent fire outbreaks, the collaboration between private sector manufacturers and government safety agencies represents a significant step toward addressing what experts describe as a preventable national crisis requiring immediate attention from all stakeholders involved in electrical safety and fire prevention.
