The Federal Government has outlined plans to broaden the Federal Fire Service’s emergency-response role, with Interior Minister Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo calling for new legislation to support its transformation into a fire and rescue service.
Tunji-Ojo discussed the proposal at the opening of the 2026 National Fire Safety Week in Abuja on Monday, November 2, according to an official Ministry of Interior statement.
The proposed reform would support a wider response to emergencies beyond fire suppression. IDNN has not obtained the current bill text or independently established its precise legislative stage.
Wider emergency responsibilities
According to published accounts of the minister’s remarks, the plans include emergency medical assistance, road-accident rescue, search and rescue, hazardous-materials response and disaster operations.
These are the government’s stated intentions. The precise powers, duties and limits would need to be established from the legislation.
The official statement also records Tunji-Ojo’s call for stronger fire inspections, enforcement of safety codes and trained fire marshals in communities.
He advocated teaching rescue techniques and basic life-saving skills in schools, urging the service to work with educational institutions.
Legislative stage remains unclear
Published accounts differ on the proposal’s legislative stage. PUNCH refers to Federal Executive Council consideration, while Kapital FM reports progress at the National Assembly.
IDNN has not independently resolved that discrepancy. The material reviewed does not establish parliamentary passage or presidential assent.
The proposed transformation should therefore be distinguished from a completed legal change.
Academy targeted for year-end readiness
Tunji-Ojo also said the National Fire Academy at Sheda, Kwali, in the Federal Capital Territory was expected to be ready by the end of the year.
According to the official statement, the facility is planned to include specialist training facilities, a health centre and accommodation for more than 3,000 trainees.
The statement separately identifies December as the expected completion date for a fire-hydrant facility. Both timelines remain government targets.
Implementation questions remain
The announcement does not establish when the proposed expanded services would become operational.
Funding, specialist training, equipment and coordination with other emergency responders remain questions for further reporting.
