Over 70% fire outbreaks linked to substandard cables — Zobis MD
The Managing Director of Zobis Cable Nigeria Ltd, Mr Alozie Louis Thaddeus, has disclosed that over 70 per cent of fire outbreaks in Nigeria have been linked to substandard and
The Managing Director of Zobis Cable Nigeria Ltd, Mr Alozie Louis Thaddeus, has disclosed that over 70 per cent of fire outbreaks in Nigeria have been linked to substandard and adulterated electrical cables.
Alozie made this known when the management of Zobis Group of Companies visited the Controller General of the Federal Fire Service, Engr. S. A. Olumode, in Abuja to explore collaborative measures aimed at reducing fire incidents across the country.
Zobis' management team said the visit was prompted by growing concerns over the increasing rate of fire disasters and the attendant loss of lives, property and critical infrastructure nationwide.
According to figures cited during the meeting, faulty electrical materials, poor-quality cables, unprofessional installation practices and poor maintenance culture remain major drivers of fire outbreaks in homes, offices and industrial facilities.
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Both organisations discussed possible areas of collaboration, including strengthening public awareness on electrical safety, promoting compliance with global quality standards and discouraging the circulation of counterfeit electrical products in the Nigerian market.
Speaking during the visit, Alozie stressed the need for coordinated action involving regulators, safety agencies, manufacturers and consumers to address the challenge.
He warned that the proliferation of counterfeit electrical materials continues to undermine safety standards and expose Nigerians to avoidable risks.
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He added that Zobis is willing to partner with the Federal Fire Service in advocacy campaigns across the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory to promote consumer education and encourage the use of certified products.
Alozie also reaffirmed the company's commitment to supporting policies that would eliminate substandard electrical materials from the market and improve infrastructure safety.
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Responding, the Controller General of the Federal Fire Service, Engr. Olumode, described the initiative as timely, noting that electrical faults remain one of the leading causes of fire outbreaks in the country.
He said many of the incidents handled by the Service could have been prevented through the use of certified electrical materials and adherence to proper installation standards.
Olumode emphasized that prevention remains the most effective approach to fire safety and called for sustained collaboration between safety agencies and credible manufacturers.
Both parties agreed to deepen stakeholder engagement through public sensitisation programs, training for electrical artisans and community awareness campaigns on safe installation practices.
Meanwhile, Zobis Group has continued to receive recognition for its contributions to Nigeria's manufacturing sector.
Recently, the Chairman of Zobis Electrical Wires and Cables, Chief John Ezeobi, was honoured with the 2025 Sun Industrialist of the Year Award for his contributions to local manufacturing and job creation.
The Manufacturers Association of Nigeria also conferred on him the Pillar of Industrial Enterprise and National Impact Award for promoting local sourcing and domestic production capacity.
The House of Representatives Committee on Local Content had earlier commended the company for complying with the Nigerian Oil and Gas Industry Content Development Act and deploying advanced production technologies.
