The Federal Government is preparing to transform the Federal Fire Service into the Federal Fire and Rescue Service as part of a wider plan to modernise emergency response operations and strengthen public safety across Nigeria.
The proposed reform will replace the existing Federal Fire Service Act of 1963 with new legislation that gives the agency a broader mandate to handle different categories of emergencies. The government believes the current law no longer reflects the country’s growing emergency response needs or provides sufficient authority for modern rescue operations.
The Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, announced the development on Monday, November 2, during the 2026 National Fire Safety Week in Abuja. He explained that the proposed legislation would move the agency beyond traditional firefighting and establish a more comprehensive emergency response system.
According to the minister, the proposed bill has completed its defence at the Federal Executive Council level and is expected to be presented to the council for consideration later in the week.
Federal Fire and Rescue Service to Expand Emergency Operations
Under the proposed legislation, the Federal Fire and Rescue Service will take on several responsibilities that currently extend beyond conventional firefighting and fire prevention.
These responsibilities will include emergency medical services, first aid, hazardous materials management, accident investigation, disaster response and specialised search and rescue operations.
The expanded mandate will also allow the agency to respond to emergencies involving road accidents, flooding, earthquakes, toxic substances and other dangerous situations that require immediate intervention.
Tunji-Ojo explained that modern fire services in other countries perform several emergency response functions beyond extinguishing fires. He said Nigeria needs a similar system that allows trained firefighters to provide immediate assistance during different types of disasters.
The minister also identified the existing legislation as a major obstacle to the agency’s development, arguing that officials cannot legally perform duties that the law does not authorise.
Consequently, the proposed reform seeks to provide a stronger legal foundation for the agency while improving its ability to respond to emergencies across the country.
Furthermore, the government wants to strengthen fire prevention through regular inspections and stricter enforcement of building safety regulations. The minister called for trained fire marshals in communities, districts and other areas to identify potential hazards before they cause serious damage.
FG Wants Rescue Training Introduced in Schools
Beyond expanding the agency’s responsibilities, the government is also considering ways to improve public knowledge of emergency response procedures.
Tunji-Ojo advocated the introduction of basic rescue techniques and lifesaving skills into school curricula at different educational levels. He believes that Nigerians should understand how to assist people during emergencies rather than depend entirely on professional responders.
The proposed approach would expose students to basic first aid, resuscitation and other emergency response techniques that could help save lives before trained personnel arrive.
In addition, the minister encouraged stronger collaboration between the Federal Fire Service and educational institutions to make safety education more accessible.
The government also wants to improve public awareness of fire prevention, particularly in residential buildings, markets, schools and commercial establishments where poor safety practices can expose large numbers of people to danger.
These measures form part of the 2026 National Fire Safety Week, which focuses on building a fire-resilient Nigeria through stronger community participation and public awareness.
Federal Government Expands Fire Service Infrastructure
Meanwhile, the government is taking steps to improve the agency’s infrastructure, personnel strength and operational capacity.
Tunji-Ojo disclosed that the Federal Fire Service had expanded its operational commands from six to 18, creating a wider administrative structure for its activities across the country. The government has also increased the number of Deputy Controller-Generals from one to three.
Another major development is the National Fire Academy project in Sheda, Kwali, within the Federal Capital Territory.
The minister said construction had reached approximately 85 per cent completion, with the government targeting the end of December 2026 for the facility’s readiness.
The academy occupies about 23 hectares and will feature training facilities, drill towers, classrooms, a library, a health centre and accommodation for more than 3,000 trainees.
It will provide specialised training for firefighters and other emergency response personnel, helping them develop the practical skills required to handle complex rescue operations.
The government also plans to complete a fire hydrant facility by December as part of its efforts to strengthen emergency infrastructure.
Proposed Name Change Awaits Further Government Action
Although the Federal Government has announced plans to establish the Federal Fire and Rescue Service, the proposed transformation still depends on the necessary legislative and approval processes.
The new legislation must progress through the relevant government procedures before it can replace the existing 1963 law and formally establish the agency under its proposed name.
If approved, the reform will mark a significant change in the responsibilities of Nigeria’s federal firefighting institution, giving it a wider role in emergency medical assistance, disaster response and specialised rescue operations.
For now, the government is focusing on securing the legal framework, improving training facilities and expanding the agency’s operational capacity as it works towards a broader emergency response system.
