…As National Fire Academy reaches 85% completion, 5,000 recruitment candidates enter final stage

By: Goodluck E. Adubazi, Abuja.

The Federal Government has unveiled plans to transform the Federal Fire Service into a modern, full-fledged fire and rescue agency, with renewed emphasis on emergency response, fire prevention, personnel welfare and community safety.

The Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, disclosed this on Monday, November 2, 2026, during the 2026 National Fire Safety Week held in Abuja, with the theme, “Building a Fire-Resilient Nigeria: One Community at a Time.”

Tunji-Ojo identified the outdated legal framework governing the Federal Fire Service as a major obstacle to achieving the proposed transformation, noting that the existing Fire Service Act, which is more than 60 years old, no longer addresses the demands of a modern emergency response institution.

He stressed that legal reforms were necessary to empower the agency to expand its operations beyond conventional firefighting to comprehensive rescue and emergency management services.
“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 improvements recorded under the existing framework, particularly in reducing emergency response times.

The minister said the proposed legislation would provide the necessary legal backing for improved operational efficiency and broader responsibilities.

He also called for stronger fire safety inspections, strict enforcement of safety regulations and the deployment of trained fire marshals across districts and communities.

To strengthen emergency preparedness, Tunji-Ojo advocated the integration of basic rescue techniques and life-saving skills into school curricula at all levels, stressing that Nigerians should be equipped with basic resuscitation knowledge to respond effectively during emergencies.

He urged the Federal Fire Service to partner with educational institutions to make emergency response training a standard component of national education.

On infrastructure development, the minister disclosed that the National Fire Academy in Sheda, Kwali, Federal Capital Territory, had reached 85 per cent completion and was expected to be ready before the end of the year.

The 23-hectare facility will feature drill towers, classrooms, a library, training centre, health centre and hostel accommodation for more than 3,000 trainees at a time. It will also operate on solar energy.

He added that the accompanying fire hydrant facility was expected to be completed by December, while the academy would be commissioned immediately after completion.

On personnel welfare, Tunji-Ojo revealed that the Federal Government had cleared a backlog of more than 50,000 promotions across the Ministry of Interior’s paramilitary agencies.

According to him, promotions are now concluded before December annually, with the 2026 exercise already completed and preparations for the 2027 exercise underway.

He further disclosed that nearly 100,000 promotions had been approved within less than 10 years.

The minister also announced that approximately 5,000 candidates shortlisted for recruitment into the Federal Fire Service were undergoing final processes, including drug testing, documentation and deployment.

He said the number of Federal Fire Service commands had increased from six to 18, a development expected to strengthen operational coverage and create additional opportunities for career advancement.

Tunji-Ojo further confirmed that officers’ risk allowances and other entitlements had been approved as part of efforts to improve personnel welfare.

He commended officers and men of the Federal Fire Service for their sacrifices, dedication and commitment to protecting lives and property, acknowledging the dangers they confront and the sacrifices they make to keep Nigerians safe.

The minister assured personnel that the administration recognises their contributions to national safety and security, reaffirming the government’s commitment to providing the necessary support for a more efficient and responsive fire and rescue service.