The Federal Government has announced plans to repeal the 1963 Fire Service Act and replace it with a new law that will transform the Federal Fire Service into the Federal Fire and Rescue Service.
Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, made the disclosure on Monday during the 2026 National Fire Safety Week held in Abuja, stating that the proposed legislation has completed its defence at the Federal Executive Council level and is expected to be formally presented this week.
According to the minister, the new law will significantly broaden the agency’s mandate beyond firefighting to include emergency medical services, search and rescue operations, hazardous materials response, disaster management and accident investigations.
Tunji-Ojo described the existing legislation as outdated and inadequate for modern emergency response challenges, noting that a law enacted more than six decades ago could no longer meet contemporary demands.
He said the proposed reforms are aimed at creating a more effective emergency response agency capable of acting as a first responder during incidents such as road accidents, floods, building collapses, earthquakes and hazardous material emergencies.
The minister explained that the expanded agency would also provide first aid and medical rescue services while strengthening fire prevention through inspections, enforcement of safety regulations and public education campaigns.
“I want a fire service that can provide rescue services, emergency medical assistance and specialised responses to hazardous incidents,” Tunji-Ojo said, adding that modern emergency management requires broader responsibilities than firefighting alone.
He further advocated the inclusion of rescue techniques and emergency response training in school curricula, arguing that Nigerians should possess basic lifesaving skills that could help save lives during emergencies.
According to him, such knowledge could prove crucial in assisting family members, friends or other individuals in distress before professional responders arrive.
Tunji-Ojo also revealed that the Federal Fire Service would coordinate national policies aimed at ensuring uniform fire safety standards across the country while collaborating with state and local authorities.
As part of efforts to strengthen capacity, he disclosed that the government is constructing a fire service academy in Kwali, Abuja, which is about 65 per cent complete and expected to be ready by December. The facility will include classrooms, a library, a health centre and accommodation for over 3,000 trainees.
The minister added that the agency’s leadership structure has been expanded from one Deputy Controller-General to three, while operational commands have increased from six to 18 nationwide.
Earlier, the Controller-General of the Federal Fire Service, Olumode Adeyemi, said the National Fire Safety Week was organised to raise awareness and encourage public participation in fire prevention efforts.
He noted that this year’s theme, “Building a Fire-Resilient Nigeria: Don’t Go Missing at a Time,” underscores the importance of embracing fire safety measures at individual, community and institutional levels.
Adeyemi disclosed that awareness campaigns would take place across all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory, targeting schools, markets, motor parks and other public spaces. Activities will also include roadshows and the distribution of fire safety materials translated into various indigenous languages.
He added that the service recently trained 713 personnel, while another 750 officers are currently undergoing training, stressing that effective fire prevention and emergency response require collaboration among government agencies, the private sector and the public.
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