The Controller-General of the Federal Fire Service, Olumode Adeyemi, is facing heavy backlash after a video showed him moving in a large convoy during a recent trip to his home state, Kogi.
The clip, which went viral online just after Easter, captured Adeyemi rolling with several vehicles and security escorts, sparking outrage on social media.
Adeyemi, appointed by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, took office in August 2025. He had gone back to Kogi for official duties and ceremonial events, including visits to traditional rulers and a big reception in Kabba, where stakeholders pushed for better fire safety facilities.
While the visit highlighted calls for a fire station in Kabba and a proposed National Fire Training School, the focus online has been on the flashy convoy. Many Nigerians are questioning the agency’s priorities.
On X and other platforms, users expressed frustration at what they see as a disconnect between the Fire Service’s actual work and the luxurious display.
One user, Lynx, wrote: “For an institution that puts out less than 10 fires nationwide on a yearly basis.”
Magnus Etta added: “Rather than buy fire service trucks and repair fire hydrants, the fire service chief is seen driving in luxury cars with security details and shooting guns. What’s really going on in this country?”
Others joined the criticism. Daniel shared similar thoughts, while Dking questioned why such a convoy was needed, pointing out that even leaders in developed countries don’t move like this. “This is the rascalities we wish to address in the coming elections,” he added.
Aimua Igbins also slammed the situation, saying: “People that cannot put out a candle. I don’t think we fully realize how sick the country called Nigeria has become.”
Chibuike Okafor called it “recurrent budget chop for bigmanism,” adding, “Fire Service get convoy but no get water.”
Yusuf Omo Ali described the development as something “that should be a movie,” while also raising concerns about leadership accountability.
Steven Williams weighed in with a broader critique: “There is no oversight any more… everyone is doing whatever they want,” warning that without systemic change, nothing will improve.
On X, @laplace_bopm said: “No wonder there is no water in ur station, u all use ur lean resources to fund the lifestyle of ur bosses. Imagine, ordinary fire service in convoy with attack vehicles needed against Islamic terrorists.”
@TheOmegaM called it “a flagrant waste of taxpayers’ money” and “a complete lack of focus” in a country struggling with basic infrastructure.
@Bashir GS added: “Imagine displaying such nonsense in a country where we don’t have enough fire service stations. These are misplaced priorities.”
@Napp06 also slammed the Fire Service, saying: “I can’t believe the page of the federal fire service of Nigeria… is recording such shows of force and importance with public funds. Everything is just anyhow.”
Barrister Eze Onyekpere, Executive Director of the Centre for Social Justice, said leadership should set the tone, stressing that “symbolic measures must be matched with practical restraint at all levels.”
Governance advocate Abdullahi Abdulkareem urged citizens to hold leaders accountable: “It is now left for us, the citizens, to hold those in power to account… giving directives in Nigeria is very easy, but ensuring compliance is another thing entirely.”
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