FG moves to rename Federal Fire Service

The Federal Government is preparing to replace the 1963 Fire Service Act with a new law that will change the Federal Fire Service into the Federal Fire and Rescue Service.

The Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, made this known on Monday during the 2026 National Fire Safety Week in Abuja.

He explained that the proposed legislation had undergone defence at the Federal Executive Council level and was expected to be presented for consideration before the end of the week.

According to the Minister, the new legislation will give the agency wider responsibilities, allowing it to handle emergencies beyond fire outbreaks.

Under the proposed arrangement, the service will take charge of search and rescue operations, emergency medical assistance, hazardous materials response, disaster management and accident investigations.

Tunji-Ojo said the current Fire Service Act, which was introduced in 1963, had become outdated and restricted the agency from carrying out several duties required to meet present-day emergency needs.

He explained that the government wanted to establish a modern emergency response agency that could provide immediate assistance during road accidents, floods, earthquakes, building collapses and other disasters.

The Minister added that the proposed service would also respond to incidents involving toxic gases, dangerous chemicals and other hazardous substances.

He said the agency would provide first aid and medical rescue services to accident victims while improving fire prevention through safety inspections, enforcement of regulations and public awareness programmes.