The Federal Fire Service has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening fire safety systems across Nigeria, highlighting major institutional reforms, improved personnel welfare, and enhanced operational performance as the nation marked the 2026 International Firefighters’ Day (IFFD).
The Controller General of the Service, Olumode Samuel Adeyemi, disclosed this during the official commemoration of the event themed, “Courage Under Fire: Recognising the Sacrifices and Realities of Firefighting.”
According to him, the Service responded to hundreds of emergency incidents within the first quarter of 2026, saving more than 1,700 lives and protecting properties worth over ₦300 billion. He noted that the achievements reflect the positive impact of ongoing reforms and operational improvements within the agency.
As part of efforts to reposition the Service for greater efficiency, Adeyemi outlined several policy driven initiatives introduced under his administration. He revealed that more than 2,600 officers were promoted across various ranks in one of the largest promotion exercises in the history of the Service, aimed at addressing long standing career stagnation and boosting morale among personnel.
In the area of capacity development, over 700 cadet officers have been trained and inducted into the Service. He added that personnel also underwent specialised training programmes, including the Haskebiu Training Programme, Counter Ambush Intelligence and Movement Security Course, and other strategic professional courses designed to strengthen operational competence and leadership capacity.
The Controller General further assured that firefighters would no longer be deployed to emergency scenes without adequate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), stressing the Service’s renewed commitment to operational safety and personnel protection.
On welfare, the Service introduced several support initiatives for personnel, including interest free loan schemes, expanded medical coverage for injuries and other health related issues, and enhanced insurance packages covering death, injury, and retirement benefits. He also approved repatriation support for retired officers as part of efforts to strengthen post service welfare.
The Service, he said, has also improved working conditions through the renovation of facilities, better workplace maintenance, and expanded health and wellness programmes, including medical outreach and routine health screenings for personnel.
To institutionalise accountability and reward excellence, Adeyemi announced the inauguration of the Controller General’s Awards Committee, which will oversee the recognition of gallantry, professionalism, and outstanding service within the agency.
The event featured a public lecture delivered by Okey Ikechukwu and was attended by senior government officials, stakeholders, and members of the public.
Beyond internal reforms, the Controller General called for stronger legislative and stakeholder support to improve Nigeria’s fire safety infrastructure. He urged the National Assembly of Nigeria to fast track the repeal and enactment of the Federal Fire Service and Rescue Act, while also encouraging lawmakers to prioritise the establishment of fire stations within constituency projects to improve emergency coverage and reduce response times nationwide.
He further appealed to corporate organisations to incorporate fire safety support into their corporate social responsibility programmes.
The Service emphasised that public cooperation remains essential to effective emergency response, urging citizens to comply with safety regulations, give way to emergency vehicles, and avoid obstructing emergency operations at incident scenes.
Highlights of the event included the unveiling of the International Firefighters’ Day brooch, decoration of senior officers, and the inauguration of the Controller General’s Awards Committee.