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FG plans to rename Federal Fire Service as Federal Fire and Rescue Service
The Federal Government has announced plans to rename the Federal Fire Service as the Federal Fire and Rescue Service as part of efforts to reform the agency and expand its operational responsibilities.
The Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, disclosed this on Monday during the 2026 National Fire Safety Week in Abuja.
According to the minister, the proposed reform would repeal the existing Federal Fire Service Act of 1963 and replace it with new legislation designed to reflect the agency’s evolving role in emergency response and public safety.
Tunji-Ojo said the proposed legislation had completed its defence and was expected to be presented to the Federal Executive Council for consideration on Thursday.
He explained that the new law would broaden the agency’s mandate beyond firefighting to include emergency medical services, search and rescue operations, hazardous materials response, disaster management and accident investigation.
“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.
The minister added that the proposed legislation would replace the existing law with a new framework for the Federal Fire and Rescue Service.
“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,” Tunji-Ojo said.
He stressed that the legal framework governing the agency had been a major obstacle to its operations, noting that public officials must act within the powers granted by law.
Tunji-Ojo said he wanted the agency to be equipped to provide first aid, medical rescue services and specialised search and rescue operations.
He also highlighted the need for the service to respond to hazardous materials incidents, including situations involving toxic gases and other dangerous substances.
The minister further called for greater public awareness of basic emergency response and resuscitation procedures, saying rescue should become an integral part of everyday life.
He said the expanded responsibilities would enable the agency to assist people during emergencies, including incidents involving family members and other members of the public.
The proposed legislation is expected to provide the legal foundation for the planned transformation of the Federal Fire Service into a broader emergency and rescue agency.
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