FG to repeal 1963 Fire Service Act, rename agency

The Federal Government of Nigeria is set to repeal the 1963 Fire Service Act and establish a new agency known as the Federal Fire and Rescue Service. This decision was announced by the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, at the 2026 National Fire Safety Week in Abuja. The proposed legislation, which has passed the Federal Executive Council, will be presented for consideration this week, with a target of enactment on Thursday.

The new law aims to broaden the agency's responsibilities beyond firefighting to include emergency medical services, search and rescue operations, hazardous materials response, disaster management, and accident investigation. Tunji-Ojo emphasized that the existing law has hindered the agency's ability to innovate and respond effectively to contemporary emergencies, as it was drafted in 1963 and is no longer suitable for the present-day realities of Nigeria.

The government believes that a modern fire service should serve as the first responder during emergencies, such as road accidents, floods, earthquakes, and incidents involving toxic substances. The new agency will also focus on fire prevention through inspections, enforcement of safety regulations, and public education. Tunji-Ojo expressed his vision of a Federal Fire Service that specializes in rescue operations and hazardous materials response, including ceiling, helicopter, and toxic gas incidents.

In addition to expanding its scope of work, the Federal Fire Service is also undergoing structural changes. The government has begun constructing a fire service academy in Kwali, Abuja, which is about 65% complete and expected to be ready by December. The facility will have training classrooms, a library, a health center, and accommodation for over 3,000 trainees. The agency's leadership structure has also been expanded from one Deputy Controller-General to three, with the command increased from six to 18.