FG to Establish Fire Stations in Public Tertiary Institutions, Promotes 2,620 Fire Officers

 

The Federal Government has announced plans to establish fully functional fire stations in public tertiary institutions across Nigeria as part of efforts to strengthen fire prevention, emergency response, and the protection of lives and critical educational assets.

The Controller-General of the Federal Fire Service (FFS), Mr. Samuel Olumode Adeyemi, disclosed this on Wednesday during the decoration ceremony of newly promoted senior officers at the Service’s headquarters in Abuja.

Fire Stations Planned for Universities, Polytechnics

Adeyemi said the initiative, being implemented through strategic engagement with the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund), would cover universities, polytechnics, and colleges of education nationwide.

“Through strategic engagement with the Tertiary Education Trust Fund, plans are underway to establish functional fire stations within public tertiary institutions across Nigeria, safeguarding lives and national investments in education,” he said.

He explained that the move forms part of broader reforms aimed at repositioning the Federal Fire Service for efficiency, sustained operational readiness, and improved public safety delivery, in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda of the current administration.

Focus on Prevention and Preparedness

The Controller-General emphasized that fire prevention remains central to the Service’s strategy, noting that enhanced preparedness within public institutions would significantly reduce fire risks and material losses.

2,620 Officers Promoted Nationwide

Adeyemi said the decoration ceremony marked the promotion of 2,620 officers, describing the process as rigorous, transparent, and highly competitive. The promotions were conducted by the Civil Defence, Correctional, Fire and Immigration Services Board (CDCFIB) in collaboration with the Army Resource Centre.

“Promotion in the Federal Fire Service is neither automatic nor accidental. It is the outcome of years of commitment, repeated assessments, performance reviews, and institutional scrutiny,” he said.

Appreciation to President, Interior Minister

The FFS boss expressed appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his continued support for security and emergency response institutions, noting that the promotions were made possible by the president’s reform-driven leadership.

He also commended the Minister of Interior and Chairman of the Board, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, for his strategic guidance and insistence on accountability and performance management within the Service.

Achievements Since August 2025

Adeyemi highlighted key achievements recorded since assuming office in August 2025, including improved personnel welfare, deployment of 40 refurbished fire appliances across commands, and the training of over 700 officers in fire and emergency response.

He also cited specialized training programmes conducted at the Armed Forces Command and Staff College, Jaji, under the Haske Biyu exercise, which enhanced tactical capacity and inter-agency collaboration.

Strengthened Partnerships and Public Safety Campaigns

According to Adeyemi, the Service has strengthened collaboration with state fire services, the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), the Nigeria Customs Service, and private sector partners such as the Tony Elumelu Foundation, under which 7,400 Nigerians are being trained in basic fire safety and prevention.

He added that public awareness efforts were expanded through National Fire Safety Week activities and nationwide Harmattan Fire Safety Campaigns.

Festive Period Emergency Readiness

Reflecting on operations during the festive season, Adeyemi said the “No Leave, No Holidays” directive issued in December 2025 was strategic, stressing that fire incidents do not observe public holidays.

The directive, he said, enabled officers to respond swiftly to major fire outbreaks across several states, saving lives and properties worth billions of naira.

Charge to Newly Promoted Officers

Addressing the newly promoted officers, Adeyemi urged them to uphold higher standards of leadership, discipline, and integrity.

“Your decoration is not merely a reward for past service; it is a call to higher standards. Your new ranks demand stronger leadership, clearer judgment, and unwavering integrity,” he said.

Also speaking at the event, the Deputy Controller-General of Fire in charge of Human Resources, DCG M. A. Tambari, reminded officers that promotion comes with increased responsibility.

“Your promotion reflects hard work, consistency, and loyalty. You must lead with integrity, conform to standards, and deliver results because to whom much is given, much is expected,” Tambari said.