The Minister of Interior Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo has reiterated the Federal Government’s determination to transform the Federal Fire Service into a full-fledged fire and rescue service.
The Minister disclosed this on Monday in Abuja at the 2026 National Fire Safety Week under the theme ‘Building a Fire-Resilient Nigeria: One Community at a Time.’
Dr. Tunji-Ojo identified the outdated legal framework as the major obstacle to reform stating that the Fire Service Act which dates back to more than 60 years cannot adequately support the demands of a modern fire and rescue service.
‘No matter how good an action is if the law does not empower you to do it it becomes illegal’ the Minister stated.
He commended the Comptroller-General of the Federal Fire Service Olumode Samuel Adeyemi for the achievements recorded under the existing legal framework particularly the significant improvement in response times.
The Minister in a statement signed by the Head of Press and Public Relations in the Ministry Mrs Mary Ali emphasized that the proposed new law would provide the necessary legal backing for even greater performance.
Tunji-Ojo called for stronger fire inspections and enforcement of fire safety codes supported by trained fire marshals in every district and community. He also advocated the integration of rescue techniques and basic life-saving skills into school curricula at all levels to equip more Nigerians with the knowledge to perform basic resuscitation during emergencies.
He urged the Federal Fire Service to collaborate with educational institutions to make these skills a national norm.
The Minister disclosed that the National Fire Academy situated on approximately 23 hectares of land in Sheda Kwali FCT is 85 per cent complete and expected to be ready by the end of the year.
The facility will feature drill towers classrooms a library a training centre a health centre and hostel accommodation for more than 3000 trainees at a time. It will also be powered by solar energy.
He added that the fire hydrant facility is expected to be completed by December while the National Fire Academy will be commissioned upon completion.
Dr. Tunji-Ojo disclosed that the Federal Government had cleared a backlog of more than 50000 promotions across the Ministry’s paramilitary agencies. He stated that promotions are now concluded before December each year.
According to him the 2026 promotion exercise has been completed while preparations for the 2027 exercise have commenced. He further revealed that nearly 100000 promotions had been effected in less than 10 years.
The Minister disclosed that approximately 5000 candidates were in the final stage of the latest recruitment exercise which involves drug testing documentation and deployment.
He also announced that the number of Federal Fire Service commands had increased from six to 18 creating more opportunities for career advancement. In addition he confirmed that officers’ risk allowances and other allowances had been approved.