The Controller General of the Federal Fire Service, CGF Samuel Adeyemi Olumode, has emphasised the urgent need for institutional renewal within Nigeria’s Fire Service to ensure effective emergency response, during his keynote address at the 2025 Annual People’s Security Monitor Security Summit and Recognition Awards held on Wednesday at the Nigerian National Merit Award House, Maitama, Abuja.

Addressing distinguished guests, security practitioners, and partners in national development, Olumode described the summit as an important platform for dialogue on safety, security, and institutional development. “It is a great honour to stand before this distinguished gathering. I commend the organisers for sustaining this vital platform for national discourse,” he said.

The theme of his keynote, “Institutional Renewal for Fire Service: A Blueprint for Effective Response”, was described by Olumode as both timely and essential. He explained that as nations evolve, so too must their emergency response systems, particularly fire and rescue services, which are central to public safety and national resilience.

Olumode stressed that fire disasters remain one of the most underestimated threats to human life and economic stability in Nigeria. “Our collective ability to prevent, respond to, and mitigate fire incidents is a measure of our nation’s preparedness for modern challenges,” he noted, adding that institutional renewal involves deliberate reforms across structures, operations, technology, and organisational culture.

Highlighting global trends, Olumode pointed out that fire services worldwide have embraced digital technology, predictive risk mapping, advanced training, and rapid deployment systems. “Nigeria must also align with these trends to ensure our response is not only timely but effective and efficient,” he said.

Modernisation of equipment, he explained, is a core pillar of renewal. “Firefighting today relies heavily on modern tools, including advanced appliances, drones, thermal imagers, fire retardant gear, and specialised rescue equipment. We are committed to upgrading our fleet and improving operational readiness across all commands,” Olumode stated.

Capacity building is equally critical. Olumode highlighted the expansion of specialised courses in firefighting, urban search and rescue, and fire investigation. “The Nigeria Fire Academy is being revitalised to become a regional centre of excellence for fire and rescue development in West Africa,” he said.

Operational restructuring was another key focus of his address. Olumode revealed plans to strengthen zonal and state commands, improve reporting systems, and establish rapid response units capable of deployment within minutes. He emphasised that data-driven approaches would enhance prediction of fire trends and prevent avoidable losses.

Inter-agency collaboration and community engagement were also central to Olumode’s vision. “Fire emergencies often require coordination with the police, civil defence, disaster management agencies, and emergency medical responders. We are strengthening these partnerships to improve speed, coordination, and efficiency,” he said. He added that public education remains one of the strongest tools for fire prevention, especially in markets, schools, residential estates, and industrial areas.

Olumode also addressed staff welfare, noting that a motivated workforce is essential for effective response. He highlighted improvements in training opportunities, insurance coverage, career progression, and working conditions for firefighters nationwide. Expansion of fire stations to underserved communities was another priority.

He acknowledged the role of the private sector and innovation in fire safety. “We are strengthening regulations for industrial compliance, enhancing certification procedures, and encouraging private partnerships for equipment acquisition and training. Young officers are being encouraged to develop digital tools and early warning systems that will shape the Fire Service of the future,” Olumode stated.

Concluding his speech, CGF Olumode outlined his Five Point Revitalisation Agenda focused on modern equipment, advanced training, operational restructuring, community engagement, and staff welfare. “Together, as government institutions, communities, and citizens, we can build a nation where fire no longer steals lives, destroys property, or undermines economic growth,” he said, expressing confidence that these reforms align with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.