By Nkechi Eze
The Federal Government has unveiled plans to overhaul the over 60-year-old legislation governing the Federal Fire Service as part of efforts to transform the agency into a modern fire and rescue service capable of responding effectively to emerging emergency situations.
The Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, disclosed this on Monday in Abuja at the 2026 National Fire Safety Week, held under the theme, “Building a Fire-Resilient Nigeria: One Community at a Time.”
According to an official statement signed by Mrs Mary Ali, Head of Press and Public Relations, Ministry of Interior, Tunji-Ojo identified the outdated Fire Service Act as a major obstacle to the proposed transformation, arguing that the existing legal framework could no longer adequately support the operational demands of a modern fire and rescue agency.
“No matter how good an action is, if the law does not empower you to do it, it becomes illegal,” the Minister stated, stressing the need for new legislation that would provide the necessary legal backing for expanded responsibilities and improved service delivery.
He commended the Comptroller-General of the Federal Fire Service, Olumode Samuel Adeyemi, for the improvements recorded under the existing framework, particularly the significant reduction in emergency response times, expressing confidence that a new law would further strengthen the agency’s operational capacity.
The Minister also called for stronger fire safety inspections and enforcement of safety regulations, advocating the deployment of trained fire marshals across districts and communities to improve fire prevention and emergency response.
He further proposed the integration of rescue techniques and basic life-saving skills into school curricula at all levels, noting that such knowledge would equip Nigerians with the ability to administer basic resuscitation and provide assistance during emergencies.
Tunji-Ojo urged the Federal Fire Service to collaborate with educational institutions to ensure that emergency response skills become a standard part of learning across the country.
On infrastructure development, he disclosed that the National Fire Academy, located on approximately 23 hectares of land at Sheda, Kwali, in the Federal Capital Territory, was 85 per cent complete and expected to be ready by the end of the year.
The academy will feature drill towers, classrooms, a library, training centre, health centre and hostel accommodation for more than 3,000 trainees at a time. The facility will also be powered by solar energy.
He added that the fire hydrant facility was expected to be completed by December, while the National Fire Academy would be commissioned upon completion.
On personnel development and welfare, the Minister revealed that the Federal Government had cleared a backlog of more than 50,000 promotions across the paramilitary agencies under the Ministry of Interior.
He said the government had introduced a system under which annual promotions are concluded before December, disclosing that the 2026 promotion exercise had been completed, while preparations for the 2027 exercise had commenced.
According to him, nearly 100,000 promotions had been effected across the Ministry’s paramilitary agencies in less than 10 years.
The Minister also disclosed that approximately 5,000 candidates were at the final stage of the latest recruitment exercise, undergoing drug testing, documentation and other processes ahead of deployment.
He further announced that the number of Federal Fire Service commands had increased from six to 18, a development he said would create more opportunities for career advancement among personnel.
Tunji-Ojo also confirmed that officers’ risk allowances and other allowances had been approved, assuring personnel of the government’s recognition of the dangers and sacrifices associated with their duties.
He commended officers and men of the Federal Fire Service for their dedication and commitment to protecting lives and property, acknowledging the risks they encounter and the sacrifices they make in ensuring the safety of Nigerians.
The Minister assured the personnel that the present administration remained committed to improving their welfare and strengthening the capacity of the service to deliver on its national safety and security responsibilities.
