FG Urges Increased Investment as 2,620 Senior Fire Officers Receive New Ranks
The Federal Government has renewed calls for stronger investment in Nigeria’s fire safety infrastructure, stressing that improved funding and strategic partnerships are critical to reducing fire disasters nationwide.
The call was made by the Controller-General of the Federal Fire Service (FFS), Olumode Adeyemi, during the decoration ceremony of 2,620 newly promoted senior officers held in Abuja.
Adeyemi emphasised that while government support remains vital, deeper engagement from the private sector would significantly strengthen fire prevention and emergency response across the country.
He highlighted the service’s collaboration with the Tony Elumelu Foundation as a key example of how private sector participation can enhance public safety outcomes.
According to him, the partnership focuses on prevention, public awareness and capacity building, with thousands of Nigerians expected to benefit from basic firefighting and safety training.
He said: “Private sector engagement was expanded as part of our reforms through our collaboration with the Tony Elumelu Foundation, under which 7,400 Nigerians nationwide are going to be trained in basic firefighting safety and prevention.
“This will be spreading to protect the economy and boost community resilience. Not only that, prevention remains an essential part of our reforms.”
The FFS boss also used the occasion to challenge the newly decorated officers to embrace leadership beyond routine duties, urging them to contribute innovative ideas that would strengthen the service.
He said: “To every officer being decorated today, your new rank is the proof that the Service has found you worthy of greater trust and higher responsibility.
“Therefore, wear your rank with pride, don’t just wear your rank and expect salutes or compliments. Bring innovations, bring ideas to the management.”
Adeyemi further reminded the officers that promotion comes with heightened expectations, stressing professionalism, discipline and integrity as non-negotiable values of the service.
“The CG charged the officers that ‘your new rank demands stronger responsibilities, stronger leadership, deeper discipline and unwavering integrity. Lead by example. Respect the chain of command, embrace innovation.’”
He also acknowledged the support of President Bola Tinubu and the Minister of Interior and Chairman of the Board, Civil Defence, Correctional, Fire and Immigration Services (CDCFIB), Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, noting that their backing has strengthened ongoing reforms within the FFS.
As part of efforts to improve response time and reach difficult locations, Adeyemi disclosed that arrangements had been concluded to establish fire stations within tertiary institutions across the country.
Also speaking at the event, the Secretary of the Board, Civil Defence, Correctional, Fire and Immigration Services, Major General Abdulmalik Jibril (rtd), reminded the promoted officers that their elevation was both a recognition and a test of character.
He noted that their new ranks signify increased responsibility and trust, adding that they must demonstrate integrity and competence to justify the confidence placed in them.
