By Jude Sule

In a nation perennially grappling with the devastating socio-economic impact of fire disasters, a significant and sustainable breakthrough is emerging from an unlikely source: Nigeria’s own natural resources.

Mayowa B. George, a dedicated fire fighter of the Fire Service stationed in Ogbomoso Nigeria, has been formally recognized by the governments of Oyo and Lagos States for developing and championing a suite of low-cost, indigenous fire prevention solutions that are proving remarkably effective.

The commendations, delivered via official letters and Certificates of Appreciation, are the culmination of a year-long pilot program that put Mr. George’s academic research into real-world practice.

His 2020 paper, “Development of sustainable low-cost fire prevention solutions using indigenous Nigerian Materials,” proposed a fundamental shift away from Nigeria’s reliance on costly imported fire-retardant chemicals and technologies—a reliance that has left the most vulnerable segments of the population dangerously exposed.

For decades, fire outbreaks in densely populated urban settlements and sprawling markets like Balogun in Lagos or Bodija in Ibadan have been a tragic feature of Nigerian life, erasing livelihoods and claiming lives in minutes.

The institutional response has often been reactive, constrained by inadequate funding and equipment. Mr. George’s work tackles the problem at its root, focusing on proactive prevention using materials that are both abundant and affordable.

His research identified the potent fire-retardant properties in materials such as cassava starch, which forms a protective insulating char layer when exposed to heat; neem extracts, known for their thermal stability; and traditional building materials like clay and laterite, which offer superior thermal insulation compared to modern concrete blocks.

Following presentations to state officials in 2021, both Oyo and Lagos—two states with vastly different demographic landscapes—launched pilot initiatives.

In Oyo State, the program focused on rural and semi-urban communities in Ibada, Oke-ogun, Ogbomosho and Ibarapa, where thatched roofing and wooden structures are common. In Lagos, the initiative was adapted for high-density, informal settlements in Badagry Leeki, Ikorodu, Ojo, Epe , Agege, targeting market stalls and wooden dwellings.

The results have been compelling. The Oyo State Ministry of Environment, in its letter dated June 20, 2022, reported a “significant reduction in the frequency and severity of domestic and market fire incidents,” praising the initiative as a “true model of sustainable, community-driven development.”

Similarly, the Lagos State Ministry of the Environment and Water Resources, in its commendation of July 5, 2022, noted a “notable decrease in fire outbreaks” and highlighted that the applied coatings “significantly slowed flame spread during incidents, allowing for more effective emergency response.”

Known affectionately within the fire service as “Mr. Fire” for his unwavering dedication to his field, Mr. George’s work is now being viewed as a potential blueprint for national policy.

It not only enhances public safety but also aligns with pressing national objectives, including the promotion of local content, the development of a circular economy by valorizing agricultural byproducts, and the empowerment of local artisans.