Zobis Cable, Federal Fire Service Partner To Promote Safety Standards
In furtherance of its commitment to national safety standards, strategic partnership and industrial excellence, the Management of the Zobis Group of Companies (makers of Zobis Cables and Wires), has visited the Controller General of the Federal Fire Service of Nigeria, Engr. S. A. Olumode, to explore strategic initiatives towards curbing the rising incidence of fire outbreaks across the country.
The courtesy visit by the Zobis Management Team, which held at the Fire Service Headquarters in Abuja, was led by the Managing Director of Zobis Cable Nigeria Ltd., Mr. Alozie Louis Thaddeus.
The high-level visit and engagement, it was gathered, was anchored on shared concerns over the alarming rate of fire disasters nationwide and the devastating human, economic and infrastructural losses associated with them; while also providing a platform for both institutions to align perspectives and chart a collaborative pathway towards addressing one of Nigeria’s most persistent safety challenges — fire incident.
According to figures referenced during the visit, over 70 percent of fire outbreaks happening in Nigeria are linked to adulterated cables, poor-quality electrical materials, unprofessional installations and inadequate maintenance practices, which have all continued to endanger lives and property across homes, offices and industrial facilities nationwide.
Consequently, both parties explored avenues for a collaborative framework that would deepen public awareness of electrical safety, promote strict compliance with global quality standards, and jointly advocate against the proliferation of counterfeit electrical products. Their discussions also reflect a shared resolve to tackle the alarming trend of adulterated cables in the market, an issue that not only fuels fire disasters but also erodes consumer confidence in locally manufactured goods.
Speaking at the event, the Managing Director of Zobis Cable Nigeria Ltd., Mr. Alozie, while stating the purpose of the visit, emphasized the need for urgent, coordinated and sustained action involving regulators, safety agencies, manufacturers and the general public. He expressed serious concern over how the unchecked circulation of counterfeit electrical products has not only undermined safety standards but has also eroded public confidence and increased avoidable risks in both urban and rural communities.
Consequently, he proposed strategic collaboration with the Federal Fire Service, aimed at supporting and reinforcing regulatory reforms for the purpose of eliminating substandard electrical materials from the market. This, he noted, will include coordinated advocacy campaigns across the 36 states of the Federation and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) to educate consumers, encourage quality compliance, and highlight the dangers posed by uncertified products.
While re-emphasizing Zobis Group’s commitment to leveraging its industry influence to ensure that certified products reach every segment of the Nigerian market; he also reiterated the company's readiness to work hand-in-hand with government agencies and other relevant institutions to support policy implementation that protects citizens and enhances national infrastructure resilience.
Responding, the Controller General of the Federal Fire Service, Engr. Olumode, welcomed the initiative, describing it as a timely, strategic and constructive move toward addressing safety challenges.
Acknowledging the rising trend in fire incidents linked to faulty electrical installations, the Fire Service Controller also noted that the Service had continued to grapple with the consequences of electrical-related fires, many of which could have been prevented through the use of certified and standards products and adherence to proper installation standards. He therefore stressed the importance of such industry partnerships in educating the public and enforcing compliance with safety codes and standards.
According to him, prevention remains the most effective approach to fire safety, and collaboration with credible manufacturers and relevant stakeholders is critical to achieving such lasting results.
Both sides agreed on the need for sustained engagement with stakeholders across public and private sectors, including manufacturers, distributors, regulators and consumers, to reduce avoidable fires and build a culture of safety. Plans were also discussed for joint outreach programs, training sessions for artisan installers, and community-level sensitization campaigns that emphasize certified products and professional installation practices.
This proposed alliance is coming at a time when Zobis Group is enjoying heightened recognition for its leadership, excellence and industrial impact.
Recall that recently, the Chairman of Zobis Electrical Wires and Cables, Chief John Ezeobi, was honoured with the 2025 Sun Industrialist of the Year Award, in recognition of his contributions to quality manufacturing, job creation and the advancement of Nigeria’s industrial value chain. The award was presented during a high-profile ceremony attended by national leaders, corporate icons and industry executives, and positioned Zobis as one of the youngest and fastest-rising industrial brands in the country’s manufacturing sector.
In another notable recognition, the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN) recently honoured Mr. Ezeobi with the Pillar of Industrial Enterprise and National Impact Award, specifically celebrating his commitment to local sourcing, backward integration and strengthening domestic production capacity, which are achievements that have been critical in reducing Nigeria’s reliance on imports and fostering sustainable growth.
Zobis Electrical Wires and Cable Nigeria Ltd., a subsidiary of the John Zobis Group, has also gained commendation from the House of Representatives Committee on Local Content for its adherence to the Nigerian Oil and Gas Industry Content Development (NOGICD) Act and its deployment of advanced production technologies that align with national industrial priorities. During a recent oversight visit, the committee reaffirmed that Zobis is a model of Nigerian ingenuity and industrial resilience, capable of meeting technical demands across various sectors including energy, construction, manufacturing, and beyond. https://anambrapeople.com.ng/2026/02/13/over-70-fire-outbreaks-linked-to-substandard-cables-zobis-md/
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