FG Moves to Replace 1963 Fire Service Act with New Rescue Law – Minister
The Federal Government has concluded plans to repeal the 1963 Fire Service Act and introduce a new legal framework that will transform the Federal Fire Service into the Federal Fire and Rescue Service, expanding its mandate to cover emergency medical response, search and rescue operations, disaster management and hazardous materials handling.
The Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, disclosed this on Monday during the 2026 National Fire Safety Week in Abuja, noting that the proposed legislation had completed its defence at the Federal Executive Council level and was expected to be presented for consideration on Thursday.
According to the minister, the proposed law is designed to modernise the country’s emergency response system and address the limitations of the existing legislation, which he said no longer reflects contemporary security, safety and disaster management realities.
He explained that the current Act, enacted in 1963, had constrained the agency’s ability to expand its operations and effectively respond to emerging emergencies.
“For the first time in 63 years, this President has taken the bull by the horns. As I speak to you, I think we have finished defending it. It should be laid this week, Thursday, at the level of the Federal Executive Council,” he said.
Tunji-Ojo added that the proposed legislation would replace the existing Federal Fire Service Act with a framework establishing the Federal Fire and Rescue Service.
He said the restructured agency would operate as a frontline emergency response institution, with responsibilities extending beyond conventional firefighting to include road accident rescue, flood emergencies, earthquake response and incidents involving toxic substances.
The minister further disclosed that the proposed service would provide first aid and emergency medical assistance, undertake specialised rescue operations and strengthen responses to hazardous materials incidents, including toxic gas leaks and other industrial emergencies.
He stressed that the reform was necessary to provide the legal authority required for the agency to discharge its expanded responsibilities effectively.
“You cannot have a Fire Service Act of 1963 and think it will be near 2026 compliant. It doesn’t make sense. And if the law does not give you the power to do certain things, it makes the job of this man in uniform impossible to do,” he stated.
Read Also:
The minister also advocated the integration of basic rescue techniques, emergency response procedures and lifesaving skills into Nigeria’s school curriculum to improve public preparedness and encourage a culture of emergency assistance.
He questioned the low level of public knowledge of cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and other basic lifesaving procedures, arguing that equipping citizens with such skills could help save lives during emergencies.
Tunji-Ojo further said the Federal Fire and Rescue Service would coordinate policies aimed at harmonising fire safety standards nationwide, working closely with state and local government authorities.
On infrastructure development, he disclosed that the Federal Government was constructing a fire service academy in Kwali, Abuja, which had reached approximately 65 per cent completion and was expected to be ready by December 2026.
According to him, the 23-hectare facility would feature training classrooms, a library, a health centre and accommodation facilities capable of hosting more than 3,000 trainees.
He also revealed that the government had expanded the agency’s leadership structure from one Deputy Controller-General to three and increased its operational commands from six to 18.
Earlier, the Controller-General of the Federal Fire Service, Olumode Adeyemi, said the 2026 National Fire Safety Week was organised to deepen public awareness and encourage greater participation in fire prevention and emergency preparedness.
Adeyemi 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 preventing fire outbreaks and responding effectively to emergencies.
He disclosed that awareness campaigns would take place simultaneously across the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory, targeting motor parks, schools, markets and shopping plazas.
The activities would also include roadshows and the distribution of fire safety information materials translated into indigenous languages to improve public understanding and compliance with safety measures.
The Controller-General further revealed that the service had trained 713 officers in the preceding week, while another 750 personnel were undergoing training as part of efforts to strengthen operational capacity.
He emphasised that effective fire prevention and emergency response required sustained collaboration among government institutions, the private sector, communities and individuals.
By PRNigeria
