By Isiaka Mustapha, Editor-In-Chief, People’s Security Monitor

The Federal Fire Service (FFS) remains a cornerstone of public safety in Nigeria, tasked with safeguarding lives, property, and vital national infrastructure. However, its ability to fulfill this mandate has been severely hampered by chronic underfunding and limited operational resources. As fire incidents continue to increase across markets, residential areas, industrial zones, and public facilities, the need for a fully equipped, adequately funded, and professionally trained Fire Service has become more urgent than ever..

A realistic and increased budgetary allocation is no longer a matter of luxury but of national necessity. Fire disasters cost the Nigerian economy billions of naira annually, not to mention the irreparable human losses and emotional trauma they leave behind. According to National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) data, over ₦6 billion worth of property was lost to fire incidents in 2024 alone, while inadequate response resources accounted for delayed containment in many cases. These statistics clearly justify a substantial financial commitment to modernizing and strengthening the FFS.

For years, the Federal Fire Service has operated on an insufficient budget that barely sustains routine operations. Past allocations have focused largely on personnel costs, leaving little for equipment, training, and logistics. In 2024, for instance, the Service’s budget stood at about ₦12 billion, a sum grossly inadequate for a national institution expected to cover 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory. When compared with other emergency services globally, this figure reveals a deep underinvestment in one of the most vital arms of public safety.

The time has come for the Federal Government to prioritize fire prevention and emergency response infrastructure by significantly increasing the FFS’s annual budget. Adequate funding will enable the Service to acquire cutting-edge firefighting and rescue equipment such as high-capacity water tenders, hydraulic platforms, foam carriers, chemical extinguishers, and modern communication systems. These are essential tools in combating fires in high-rise buildings, fuel depots, industrial plants, and urban centres.

The lack of modern fire appliances is one of the major constraints facing the Service today. Many existing fire trucks are outdated, frequently break down, and often lack spare parts. In some states, fire stations depend on just one functional truck to cover several local government areas; a dangerous situation that leads to delayed responses and increased casualties. With a better-funded procurement plan, new-generation firefighting vehicles could be deployed strategically across all zones to ensure rapid and coordinated intervention in emergencies.

Beyond equipment, the training of personnel remains a pressing concern. The effectiveness of any firefighting system depends largely on the competence and preparedness of its officers. Increased funding would allow the Service to organize regular local and international training sessions, simulation exercises, and refresher courses in specialized areas such as industrial fire control, hazardous materials management, and high-rise rescue operations. Properly trained firefighters not only save more lives but also reduce damage and enhance public confidence.

Fire prevention is equally as important as fire suppression. Expanding the budget would empower the Service to intensify public awareness campaigns, inspections, and enforcement of fire safety regulations. Many of the country’s tragic fire incidents could have been prevented through proactive education and regular compliance checks. Allocating funds to this preventive dimension will create a culture of safety that minimizes fire outbreaks before they happen.

Logistics and maintenance are often overlooked but vital components of effective service delivery. Without sufficient budgetary support for fuel, spare parts, and maintenance, even the most advanced fire engines become useless. Regular maintenance schedules, adequate stock of firefighting foams, hoses, and breathing apparatus must be guaranteed through steady and predictable funding. These operational essentials are the lifeline of every fire station and must not depend on ad hoc releases or donations.

Another critical aspect that demands funding attention is the expansion of fire stations across the country. The current distribution of Federal Fire Service stations is grossly inadequate to meet the demands of a growing population and expanding urban environments. Many communities in rural and semi-urban areas remain completely without access to federal fire coverage. Building more fire stations will drastically reduce response times and strengthen disaster preparedness at the grassroots level.

In the same vein, the establishment of zonal training centres in each geopolitical zone will improve operational readiness. These centres could serve as regional hubs for equipment storage, personnel training, and coordination during large-scale emergencies. Such decentralization would allow the FFS to respond faster to incidents anywhere in the country, rather than depending solely on the Abuja headquarters for critical decisions or resource mobilization.

It is also necessary to upgrade the Service’s communication and command systems. In emergency management, response time and coordination depend on reliable communication technology. An increased budget should include funding for digital command centres, integrated radio systems, and drone surveillance to monitor large fire scenes. These modern tools will significantly enhance the agency’s ability to manage complex incidents and coordinate with other emergency stakeholders.

The Federal Fire Service also needs a modern data management system for incident reporting, asset tracking, and risk mapping. A digitalized system will improve accountability, operational efficiency, and transparency in budget utilization. Data-driven decisions will ensure that resources are allocated based on actual risk profiles rather than guesswork, thereby optimizing both budget use and public safety outcomes.

Under the new leadership of Controller-General Samuel Adeyemi Olumode, the Federal Fire Service has already shown signs of reform and renewed commitment. His administration has embarked on internal restructuring to ensure efficiency, professionalism, and transparency. However, leadership commitment alone cannot yield results without the financial resources to implement these reforms. Adeyemi’s vision for a modernized and proactive Fire Service deserves the full support of the government through robust budgetary allocation.

The argument for increased funding must also consider the economic implications of fire disasters. Every major fire incident in Nigeria leads to massive financial losses, destroys jobs, and disrupts livelihoods. A properly funded fire service reduces the frequency and severity of such losses, saving the economy billions that would otherwise go to rebuilding and compensation. Fire safety is therefore not a cost — it is an investment in economic stability and national resilience.

Public-private partnerships can complement government funding, but the core responsibility of equipping and maintaining the Federal Fire Service lies with the Federal Government. When government demonstrates commitment through increased funding, it inspires confidence and attracts private-sector collaboration. Such synergy can accelerate modernization and expand the scope of fire prevention initiatives nationwide.

Equipping the Fire Service adequately will also support other national security agencies. During major disasters such as fuel tanker explosions or building collapses, the FFS works closely with the Police, NSCDC, and NEMA. A better-funded Fire Service strengthens inter-agency synergy and ensures a more coordinated national emergency response framework. The safety of the entire nation depends on such collaboration.

It is equally important that increased budgetary allocation is tied to strict accountability measures. Transparency in procurement, maintenance, and training expenses will ensure that every naira invested translates into tangible improvement. The leadership must regularly publish performance reports, conduct audits, and engage civil society observers to track progress and sustain public trust.

Nigeria cannot continue to treat fire safety as an afterthought. As cities expand and industries grow, the risk of large-scale fire disasters increases. Without corresponding investments in modern firefighting capacity, the country risks repeating preventable tragedies. Budgetary neglect of the Fire Service is no longer acceptable in a 21st-century economy aspiring for safety, productivity, and resilience.

In the final analysis, the Federal Government must see the Fire Service not merely as a rescue agency but as a pillar of national development. By increasing its budget, providing modern equipment, investing in staff training, ensuring logistics support, and expanding station coverage, Nigeria will be taking a bold and responsible step toward safeguarding its people and assets. Under the forward-looking leadership of CG Samuel Adeyemi Olumode, this vision can become a reality, a well-equipped, well-trained, and world-class Fire Service ready to meet the challenges of modern emergencies and protect the nation’s future.