Federal Fire Service Unveils Sweeping Reform Agenda to Modernise Operations and Strengthen Emergency Response

Abuja – The Controller-General of the Federal Fire Service (FFS), Olumode Samuel Adeyemi, has unveiled an extensive reform programme aimed at transforming Nigeria’s fire service into a modern, technology-enabled, and prevention-focused emergency response institution capable of addressing both traditional and emerging fire hazards.

Speaking to journalists, Adeyemi said the initiative is designed to improve the Service’s capacity to protect lives, property, critical national infrastructure, and the environment through targeted investments in training, technology, infrastructure, and public awareness.

“My vision is to build a technologically driven, highly professional, prevention-focused and globally respected Federal Fire Service that is fully equipped to protect lives, property, critical national assets and the environment,” he said.

National Fire Academy to Enhance Professional Training

A major component of the reform is the nearing completion of the National Fire Academy in Sheda, Abuja, which is expected to serve as Nigeria’s premier institution for advanced firefighting and emergency response training.

Adeyemi said the academy will feature simulation centres, specialised laboratories, modern training tools, and practical learning environments designed to prepare personnel for Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear (CBRN) incidents, hazardous materials emergencies, aviation and industrial disasters, urban search and rescue operations, and advanced incident command systems.

He stressed that professionalism in the Service must be sustained through continuous training, discipline, integrity, and accountability, noting that global best practices will remain central to capacity development.

During a recent inspection, the Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, disclosed that the project is about 65 per cent completed.

He described the academy as a strategic national investment that will strengthen institutional capacity, improve operational efficiency, and modernise firefighting across Nigeria. The facility will also include classrooms, residential quarters, a library, operational units, and training grounds to produce highly skilled firefighters capable of managing increasingly complex emergencies.

Expanding Strategic Partnerships

As part of its reform efforts, the Federal Fire Service is strengthening collaboration with key local and international partners, including the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), the Nigeria Police Force, the Armed Forces, the United Nations, the World Bank, Afreximbank, ASR Africa, and the Tony Elumelu Foundation.

A flagship programme under these partnerships is the annual training of about 7,400 Community Fire Volunteers across all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory, aimed at improving grassroots emergency response and building community resilience.

Emphasis on Fire Prevention

Adeyemi reiterated that prevention remains the cornerstone of the Service’s new operational strategy.

He said the Federal Fire Service is intensifying public awareness campaigns through National Fire Safety Week, Harmattan Fire Safety Campaigns, and targeted outreach in schools, markets, places of worship, NYSC camps, and local communities.

He added that routine fire safety inspections, building compliance checks, and enforcement activities will be strengthened, while proposed amendments to the Federal Fire Service Act will provide legal backing for expanded Fire Marshal and Fire Warden programmes.

The Controller-General also acknowledged stakeholder support, citing praise from the Managing Director of NigComSat, Mrs. Nkechi Egerton-Idehen, who commended firefighters for their professionalism during a recent fire incident at the organisation’s Abuja headquarters.

Technology-Driven Emergency Response

Technology forms a key pillar of the reform agenda.

Adeyemi revealed that the Service will soon launch a mobile application that will enable Nigerians to report fire incidents in real time by sending images, location data, and emergency alerts directly to the national command and control centre.

He said the platform will significantly improve response times by ensuring that emergency teams receive accurate, real-time information before arriving at incident scenes.

The Service is also deploying drones for aerial monitoring, Geographic Information System (GIS) tools for fire risk mapping and station planning, digital dispatch systems, and modern rescue equipment to enhance operational efficiency.

Expansion of Fire Stations Nationwide

The Controller-General further disclosed plans to expand the Federal Fire Service network by establishing fire stations in every senatorial district, local government headquarters, and major markets across the country.

He said the expansion is expected to drastically reduce response times and minimise losses from fire outbreaks.

To support this, the Federal Government is recruiting about 5,000 additional personnel who will undergo specialised training before nationwide deployment.

Adeyemi also noted that proposed amendments to the Fire Service Act will formalise the establishment of Fire Wardens and Fire Marshals to complement professional firefighters.

He commended the Federal Government for recent improvements in personnel welfare, including the promotion of over 2,000 officers.

At a recent decoration ceremony, the Secretary of the Civil Defence, Correctional, Fire and Immigration Services Board (CDCFIB), Major General Abdulmalik Jibrin (Rtd), urged newly promoted officers to justify their elevation through innovation, professionalism, and dedication to duty.

Introduction of New Awards

To boost morale and encourage excellence, the Federal Fire Service has introduced the Controller-General’s Awards for Outstanding Firefighters to recognise bravery, exceptional service, and operational performance.

Similarly, the President of Fire Disaster Prevention and Safety, Dr. Ahmed Badanga, welcomed the introduction of the National Fire Fighting Hero Award, describing it as a strong morale booster, while calling for continued improvements in welfare and working conditions.

Towards a More Resilient Fire Service

Nigeria continues to experience frequent fire outbreaks in markets, homes, public institutions, and industrial facilities, often linked to poor building compliance, electrical faults, Harmattan conditions, and rapid urban growth.

The Federal Fire Service believes the ongoing reforms will reposition the agency from a largely reactive body to one that effectively balances prevention, preparedness, and rapid response.

While experts emphasise that sustained funding, timely infrastructure delivery, stronger inter-agency coordination, and effective enforcement will be essential for long-term success, the reforms are widely seen as a significant step toward strengthening Nigeria’s emergency response system and reducing the impact of fire disasters nationwide.