FG Moves to Repeal 1963 Fire Service Act, Rename Agency

The Federal Government is set to repeal the 1963 Fire Service Act and introduce new legislation to transform the Federal Fire Service into the Federal Fire and Rescue Service.

The Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, disclosed this on Monday during the 2026 National Fire Safety Week in Abuja, saying the proposed legislation had completed its defence at the Federal Executive Council level and was expected to be presented for consideration later in the week.

He explained that the new law would expand the agency’s responsibilities beyond firefighting to cover emergency medical services, search and rescue operations, hazardous materials response, disaster management and accident investigation.

According to the minister, the existing legislation had limited the agency’s ability to respond effectively to emerging emergencies and adopt modern operational practices.

He said the government intended to establish a fire service capable of serving as a first responder during road accidents, floods, earthquakes and incidents involving toxic substances.

Tunji-Ojo added that the proposed agency would provide first aid and emergency medical assistance, while strengthening fire prevention through inspections, enforcement of safety regulations and public education.

He also advocated the introduction of rescue techniques and emergency response education into school curricula to equip Nigerians with basic life-saving skills, including cardiopulmonary resuscitation.

The minister said the Federal Fire Service would coordinate policies to promote uniform fire safety standards nationwide, working with state and local authorities.

He disclosed that construction of a fire service academy in Kwali, Abuja, had reached about 65 per cent completion and was expected to be ready by December.

The facility, covering approximately 23 hectares, would include training classrooms, a library, a health centre and accommodation for more than 3,000 trainees.

Tunji-Ojo further revealed that the government had expanded the agency’s leadership structure from one Deputy Controller-General to three and increased its commands from six to 18.

Earlier, the Controller-General of the Federal Fire Service, Olumode Adeyemi, said the 2026 National Fire Safety Week was designed to promote public awareness and encourage greater participation in preventing fire incidents.

He said this year’s theme, Building a Fire-Resilient Nigeria: Don’t Go Missing at a Time, emphasised the responsibility of individuals, communities and institutions in adopting fire safety practices.

Adeyemi added that awareness campaigns would take place across the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory, covering motor parks, schools, markets and plazas.

He also disclosed that 713 officers had completed training in the previous week, while another 750 personnel were undergoing training.