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Federal Fire Service Unveils Reform Agenda: Training, Technology, and Prevention at the Core

By Victoria Onehi
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Victoria Onehi
Victoria Onehihttps://120edgenews.com
The Controller-General of the Federal Fire Service (FFS) of Nigeria Olumode Samuel Adeyemi has outlined a comprehensive reform strategy focused on modernising the agency to tackle both traditional fire hazards and emerging threats in a rapidly urbanising country.
The vision emphasises human capacity development, technological integration, public education, and stronger inter-agency collaboration, positioning the FFS as a “technologically driven, highly professional, prevention-focused and globally respected” service.
While speaking to journalists in an interview recently,Olumode stated his vision clearly.
“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.”
Key Pillars of the Reform
Highlighting the key pillers of the reform,the Controller General said Infrastructure and Training Transformation is key.
Olumode said professionalism begins with leadership, but it is sustained through continuous learning, discipline, integrity and accountability.
“Since assuming office, we have placed significant emphasis on strengthening the capacity of our personnel through continuous training, specialised professional development and exposure to national and international best practices. As we establish the National Fire Academy and reposition other training institutions, we are institutionalising a culture of lifelong learning that prepares officers not only for today’s challenges but also for future emergencies.”
At the center is the nearing completion of the National Fire Academy, designed to international standards. It will feature simulation centers, specialised labs, and practical training grounds to prepare personnel for Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear (CBRN) incidents, hazardous materials, urban terrorism-related fires, aviation and industrial emergencies, urban search and rescue, and modern incident command systems.
From 2nd left, the Permanent Secretary of the Minister of Interior, Dr Magdalena Ajani, the Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, the Controller General of the Federal Fire Service,Olumode Samuel Ajani and other dignitaries during the visit to the Fire Service Academy,Sheda Abuja.
During a visit to the National Fire Academy,Sheda Abuja recently,the Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo says approximately 65 percent of the Academy is completed. The Minister said the establishment of the Academy is part of the initiatives aimed at strengthening institutional capacity, enhancing operational efficiency, and repositioning the Federal Fire Service to meet emerging global safety demands.

The project includes training grounds, residential quarters, classrooms, a library and operational equipment units. He emphasised the strategic importance of the National Fire Academy as the backbone of professional training, capacity development, and modernisation of fire service operations in Nigeria.

The Minister who was at the Academy alongside the Permanent Secretary Dr Magdalena Ajani reiterated the Ministry’s commitment to equipping fire personnel with contemporary skills, modern technology, and the infrastructure necessary to effectively respond to fire emergencies and disaster incidents. He noted that fire safety management is not only a security concern but also an economic imperative, as preventable fire outbreaks significantly impact national productivity, private investment, and public confidence.

The second pillar of the reform includes Partnerships and Capacity Building.
The FFS is deepening collaborations with NEMA (National Emergency Management Agency), FRSC, Nigeria Police, Armed Forces, United Nations, World Bank, Afreximbank, ASR Africa, Tony Elumelu Foundation, and others. These partnerships target infrastructure expansion, equipment acquisition, and operational improvements. A notable initiative is the annual training of 7,740 Community Fire Volunteers to provide grassroots first-response capabilities.This will be done in collaboration with the Tony Elumelu Foundation Foundation.Under the collaboration, the Federal Fire Service will train 200 persons in each state of the federation and the FCT, totaling 7,400 beneficiaries.
The Controller General of the Federal Fire Service,Olumode Samuel Adeyemi (middle ) and his management team.
The third pillar of reform is Prevention as the Foundation
Aligning with the philosophy that “the safest fire is the one that never occurs,” the Controller General said the service is intensifying public fire safety education via the National Fire Safety Week, Harmattan Fire Safety Campaign, and outreach to schools, markets, worship centers, NYSC camps, and communities. He stated that routine inspections, building audits, and enforcement are being strengthened, supported by planned amendments to the Federal Fire Service Act and expansion of Fire Marshal and Fire Warden programmes.

It is worthy of note that in her goodwill message at the closing ceremony of the National Fire Safety Week 2025,the Director General of Nigerian Communications Satellite Limited (NigComsat),Mrs Nkechi Egerton-Idehen commended the Controller General and his men for quelling the fire at the NigComsat office Abuja. She recalled how the Controller- General personally came to the scene of fire and with the skills of the firemen and equipments the fire was put out.

She said: “I thank the fire service officers for their bravery and professionalism in carrying out their duties. When everyone runs away from fire, because of your job and commitment,you run towards it to put it out. Your courage improve the lives of individuals,organisations and communities around us.So I will encourage Nigerians to stay vigilant, practice safety and consistently support the work of the Federal Fire Service.”

The fourth area of reform is Technology and Innovation
While speaking to journalists during the interview, the Controller-General highlighted the fact that more technology and innovations will be implored in the service going forward.
“As regards technology, we are doing a lot about it. There’s an app that will be launched by next month. Thereafter, all Nigerians can download this app. You can easily send a message, pictures to our command and control center to know what is happening.If there’s a fire incident, there’s a way you just send the pictures, the location, and then our men respond immediately.”
In addition, the agency is adopting drones for reconnaissance, GIS for risk mapping and station optimisation (in partnership with the Office of the Surveyor-General), digital dispatch systems, and advanced rescue tools. The National Fire Academy will incorporate simulation facilities for realistic technology training.
Furthermore,the Controller General said one of the areas of improvement which the service is working on is to have more fire stations and more fire posts. This he said will be able to reduce their response time.
“Yes. My plan is we want every senatorial district, all local government headquarters in Nigeria to have presence of federal fire service.
Also, all major markets in Nigeria to have the presence of federal fire service. So this will be able to reduce the loss of lives and the loss of properties in billions of Naira. So these are the areas we are working towards the next one year. Presently, there’s ongoing recruitment of about 5,000 personnel, which will also be trained and deployed nationwide.Not only that, in our new act that will soon be passed, there’s a room for fire wardens.We call them fire wardens, fire marshals.These people will also complement the effort of firefighters to man all these stations.” Olumode explains.
Similarly,the Controller General praised the Federal Government for taking care of firemen accross the nation adding that over two thousand were promoted recently.
During the decoration of the officers,the Secretary for the Civil Defence Correctional,Fire and Immigration Services Board (CDCFIB) Major General Abdulmalik Jibrin (Rtd) urged the officers to see their elevation as a call to hard work.

” It’s expected that anyone whom trust is given in terms of elevation, should bring new ideas to bear so you will help move the Fire Service forward. Think outside the box and bring new ideas to bear in areas of assignment.’Jibrin said.

Also,as a means to boost the morale of firefighters, the Controller General’s Awards for outstanding firefighters was instituted. This is a structured platform designed to identify and honour gallantry, professionalism, and outstanding service within the ranks.

The President,Fire Disaster Prevention and Safety,Dr Ahmed Badanga said the institution of the National Fire Fighting Hero Award would boast the moral of fire fighters in Nigeria.He urged the Federal government to do all within it’s power to improve the welfare packages of fire fighters as it’s done in other climes.

Analysis and Implications
Nigeria faces frequent fire outbreaks in markets, residential areas, and public facilities, often exacerbated by poor enforcement of building codes, electrical faults, dry-season Harmattan winds, and rapid unplanned urbanisation. Industrial incidents, oil-related hazards, and potential terrorism-linked fires add complexity. The FFS reforms directly target these vulnerabilities by shifting from a purely reactive model to a balanced prevention-response framework.
Also,emphasis on lifelong learning, merit-based progression, ethics, and research at the National Fire Academy could professionalize the workforce and reduce operational gaps.
Potential Challenges
It will suffice to say implementation of these reforms will depend on sustained funding, timely completion of infrastructure, and actual enforcement of regulations. Inter-agency coordination in Nigeria has historically faced bureaucratic hurdles and jurisdictional overlaps; success here will require clear Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and regular joint exercises. Technology adoption must be matched with maintenance capabilities and cybersecurity considerations. Expanding to 7,740 volunteers annually demands robust oversight to maintain standards and avoid liability issues.
Outlook
Over the next five years, the FFS plans to consolidate these reforms through expanded infrastructure, digital transformation, and deeper collaborations. If executed effectively, this could significantly reduce fire incidents, minimise loss of lives and property, and enhance public confidence in emergency services. The National Fire Academy, in particular, stands as a potential landmark institution that could elevate Nigeria’s emergency management capacity regionally.
The Controller-General’s vision correctly identifies that long-term success requires collective responsibility — from government leadership and regulatory enforcement to active citizen participation. For a country with growing urban populations and complex risk profiles, these reforms represent a timely and forward-looking investment in resilience. Persistent political will and resource commitment will determine whether this translates into measurable improvements on the ground.
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