The Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, has called for the urgent reform of Nigeria’s fire service law, describing the existing legislation as outdated and inadequate for modern rescue operations.
Speaking on Thursday at the decoration of the new Comptroller-General of the Federal Fire Service, Olumode Adeyemi, in Abuja, Tunji-Ojo noted that the law guiding the service was enacted over six decades ago and no longer meets current operational realities.
“I’m happy the National Assembly is here. The National Assembly is already working on the fire service law because the Fire Service Act that we have at the moment is over 60 years old,” he said. “We need to improve rescue operations.”
The minister stressed that the performance of the fire service should be measured by its ability to prevent loss of lives and property.
“Fire Service is one of the most impactful agencies in this country. Every time there’s a fire incident and rescue operation, and someone dies, it’s a failure on the Fire Service. Your job is to prevent fire — you are as important to life as oxygen,” he added.
Tunji-Ojo urged the new FFS boss not to expect universal approval in the course of his work, warning that leadership requires conviction, not popularity.
“You are 100 per cent my supporter, but you don’t expect 100 per cent support from your men. If you are waiting for 100 per cent support, you will never realise it.
Leadership is not a popularity contest; it is the conviction of one’s heart,” he said.
He also advised fire officers to prioritise prevention, mitigation, and public responsibility, describing them as “as important to life as the oxygen we breathe.”
In his acceptance speech, Adeyemi pledged to work with all stakeholders to transform the service, expressing gratitude to President Bola Tinubu and the minister for the opportunity to serve.
“With profound humility and a heart full of gratitude, I stand before you today on this historic occasion of my decoration as the Comptroller-General of the Federal Fire Service,” Adeyemi said. “This appointment is a great honour, and I do not take it lightly. I pledge my total loyalty and unwavering commitment to justifying this confidence through diligent service, integrity, and purposeful leadership.
