The Federal Government has reaffirmed its commitment to transforming the Federal Fire Service into a full fledged fire and rescue agency to strengthen emergency response and improve public safety across the country.
The Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, disclosed this on Monday, November 2, during the 2026 National Fire Safety Week in Abuja, held under the theme, “Building a Fire Resilient Nigeria: One Community at a Time.”
Tunji-Ojo identified the over 60 year-old Fire Service Act as a major obstacle to the proposed transformation, stressing the need for a new legal framework to align the agency’s operations with modern fire prevention, rescue and emergency response standards.
He said the transformation was necessary to reposition the service for emerging safety challenges, adding that the existing legal framework no longer adequately supports the demands of modern fire and rescue operations.
According to the Minister, “the over 60-year-old Fire Service Act” remains a major impediment to the reforms required to strengthen the agency.
He called for stronger fire safety inspections, effective enforcement of safety codes and the integration of rescue techniques and basic life-saving skills into school curricula.
The Minister stressed that fire prevention should not be left to government agencies alone, urging communities, institutions and individuals to take greater responsibility for safety.
On infrastructure development, Tunji-Ojo disclosed that the National Fire Academy in Sheda, Federal Capital Territory, was 85 per cent complete and expected to be ready before the end of the year.
He also announced that the fire hydrant facility would be completed in December, noting that the projects would strengthen the training and operational capacity of the Federal Fire Service.
Providing updates on personnel development, the Minister revealed that the government had cleared more than 50,000 outstanding promotions across the Ministry of Interior’s paramilitary agencies, while the 2026 promotion exercise had also been concluded.
He further disclosed that approximately 5,000 newly recruited Federal Fire Service personnel were undergoing final screening and documentation.
On the expansion of the agency, Tunji-Ojo said the number of Federal Fire Service commands had increased from six to 18, a development expected to improve emergency response and extend the service’s operational reach.
He added that officers’ risk allowances had been approved, assuring personnel that the government recognised their sacrifices and commitment to protecting lives and property.
“The government recognises the sacrifices and commitment of our officers who put their lives on the line to protect Nigerians,” he said.
The Minister urged Nigerians to embrace fire safety practices and support efforts to prevent avoidable fire incidents, emphasising that building a fire-resilient country requires collective action.