The Federal Government of Nigeria is planning to overhaul the country's emergency response system by decentralizing fire protection services. The proposed reforms, anchored on a new legislative framework, aim to expand the Federal Fire Service's operational mandate, establish community-level fire outposts, and strengthen professional training. This move is expected to address gaps in the country's emergency response system and improve fire prevention, response times, and access to professional fire protection.
The existing Fire Service Act, more than 60 years old, is to be replaced with a new legislative framework. According to Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, Minister of Interior, the old law no longer provides adequate legal backing for the expanding responsibilities of the service. The proposed law will provide the legal foundation for expanding the service's responsibilities to cover rescue operations and other emergency response activities, while strengthening its institutional capacity.
The Minister of Interior emphasized the importance of prevention, public education, and community-level preparedness in the government's fire safety strategy. He called for more rigorous fire safety inspections and enforcement of building safety codes, stressing that preventing fire outbreaks should receive as much attention as responding to emergencies after they occur. Tunji-Ojo also advocated for the deployment of trained fire marshals across districts and communities.
The Federal Fire Service is working to establish mini fire outposts to bring emergency response services closer to communities and reduce response times. According to Olumode Adeyemi, Comptroller-General of the Federal Fire Service, the initiative is part of a broader effort to decentralize fire protection and ensure that emergency services are not concentrated in major cities. The service is partnering with the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria and the Tertiary Education Trust Fund to expand its presence.
The government is investing in specialized training infrastructure to support the proposed expansion of firefighting and rescue operations. The National Fire Academy, located in Sheda, Kwali Area Council of the Federal Capital Territory, is 85 percent complete and expected to be ready before the end of the year. The facility will accommodate more than 3,000 trainees at a time and include drill towers, classrooms, and hostel accommodation.
The Federal Government has cleared more than 50,000 outstanding promotions across paramilitary agencies under the Ministry of Interior. According to Tunji-Ojo, nearly 100,000 promotions have been effected across the ministry's paramilitary agencies in less than 10 years. The minister also disclosed that approximately 5,000 candidates had reached the final stage of the latest recruitment exercise.
The government recognizes the sacrifices and commitment of Federal Fire Service personnel and is taking steps to support them. Tunji-Ojo commended personnel for their efforts in protecting lives and property, assuring them that the administration values their contributions to national safety. The minister also disclosed that officers' risk allowances and other entitlements had been approved in recognition of the dangers associated with firefighting and rescue operations.
Key points
- The Federal Government plans to decentralize fire protection services by establishing community-level fire outposts and expanding the Federal Fire Service's operational mandate.
- A new legislative framework is being proposed to replace the existing 60-year-old Fire Service Act.
- The National Fire Academy is being constructed to provide specialized training infrastructure for firefighting and rescue operations.
