The Chairman of the Cross River State Chapter of the Nigerian Institution of Safety Engineers (NISafetyE), Engr. Dr. George Ndifon Abang, FNICE, FNISafetyE, MNSE, has called for urgent and sustained measures to strengthen fire prevention and safety standards in public and commercial facilities following the recent fire outbreak at the SPAR Mall in Calabar.
Abang, who made the call in an official statement issued on Wednesday, August 26, 2026, expressed concern over the incident and extended the institution’s sympathy to individuals and businesses affected by the fire.
He stressed that the incident should serve as a reminder to facility owners, managers and regulatory authorities that safety must never be taken for granted, particularly in high-traffic environments such as shopping malls where large numbers of people and businesses are accommodated.
According to the state chairman, effective fire prevention goes beyond responding to emergencies after they occur, requiring the installation, regular maintenance and proper functioning of appropriate safety systems.
He specifically identified functional fire alarm systems, accessible firefighting equipment, clearly defined emergency exits and routine safety inspections as essential safety requirements for public and commercial facilities.
Abang therefore urged owners and managers of high-traffic facilities, including shopping malls, markets and event centres, to conduct comprehensive reviews of their safety systems and immediately correct any identified deficiencies.
He also called on regulatory authorities to intensify enforcement of existing safety standards, noting that strict compliance with safety regulations was critical to preventing avoidable loss of lives and property.
The NISafetyE Cross River Chairman further emphasised the importance of preparedness, urging facility operators to ensure that workers and occupants are adequately informed about emergency procedures and know the appropriate actions to take during a fire or other emergency.
He noted that proactive safety measures, regular inspections and strict adherence to established standards could significantly reduce the risk and impact of fire disasters.
Abang reaffirmed the commitment of NISafetyE Calabar Branch to promoting a culture of safety, prevention and preparedness across Cross River State, adding that the organisation remains available to provide professional guidance and safety advocacy to relevant stakeholders.
Describing the SPAR Mall fire incident as a “wake-up call,” the state chairman urged individuals, businesses, facility managers and regulatory authorities to place safety at the centre of their operations rather than waiting for disasters to occur before taking corrective action.
“Let this serve as a wake-up call to prioritize safety at all times. The protection of lives and property must remain a shared and non-negotiable responsibility,” he stated.
The professional body also encouraged stakeholders to adopt a proactive approach to identifying potential hazards and implementing appropriate measures to mitigate them before they escalate into emergencies.
Abang’s call comes amid renewed concerns over fire safety and emergency preparedness in public and commercial facilities, where inadequate preventive systems can expose occupants, businesses and property to significant risks.
