The Minister of Interior has urged the National Assembly to expedite the passage of a new Fire Service Act, stressing that the Federal Fire Service (FFS) is still operating under the outdated 1963 Fire Service Act, which he described as inadequate for addressing modern fire safety challenges in Nigeria.
The minister made the appeal during his address at the opening ceremony of the ongoing 2026 Ministerial Sectoral Retreat of the Ministry of Interior and its agencies held in Abuja.
According to him, the delay in passing the new legislation is comparable to “embarking on a journey without a destination,” noting that modern fire services across the world operate under robust legal frameworks that empower them not only to respond to emergencies but also to regulate safety standards, conduct enumeration, and provide professional advisory services.
He explained that the current legal framework largely restricts the Federal Fire Service to operational responsibilities, limiting its ability to effectively regulate fire safety and strengthen preventive measures across the country.
The minister therefore stressed the urgent need for a modern legal structure that would expand the powers of the Federal Fire Service and enhance Nigeria’s emergency management system.
He also emphasized the need to prioritize fire prevention strategies rather than focusing solely on rescue operations, calling on stakeholders to intensify public awareness campaigns and strengthen fire safety practices nationwide.
Reviewing the performance of agencies under the Ministry of Interior in 2025, the minister commended their efforts in meeting key performance indicators that have positively impacted the lives of millions of Nigerians.
He attributed the recorded achievements to the leadership and support of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, noting that the administration has continued to prioritize reforms aimed at improving the efficiency of agencies under the ministry.
The minister also highlighted the establishment of the National Fire Academy as one of the most significant projects executed under the current administration, adding that although progress has been made in strengthening the Federal Fire Service, there is still more work to be done.
He explained that the ministerial retreat provides a platform for agencies to identify operational gaps, stressing that the exercise is not meant for criticism but for constructive assessment and institutional improvement.
The minister further revealed that significant progress has been made in improving the welfare and career progression of personnel across the ministry’s paramilitary services.
According to him, more than 70,000 promotions have been approved by President Tinubu in the past three years, a move aimed at addressing long-standing career stagnation within the services.
He noted that improved welfare has enhanced morale among personnel, adding that officers and men can now plan their career advancement with greater certainty.
The minister concluded by charging the leadership of agencies under the Ministry of Interior to remain committed to innovation and professionalism in order to strengthen service delivery and enhance public confidence in the ministry.
The 2026 Ministerial Sectoral Retreat, themed “Accountable Leadership, Measurable Impacts, Reviewing Results, Renewing Commitments,” has brought together top officials of the ministry and its agencies to review performance, address challenges, and renew commitments toward improved service delivery for Nigerians.