Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, Minister of Interior, has called for the urgent reform of Nigeria’s fire service legislation, describing the current law as obsolete and inadequate for the realities of modern rescue operations.
Speaking on Thursday in Abuja during the decoration ceremony of Olumode Adeyemi as the new Comptroller-General of the Federal Fire Service (FFS), Tunji-Ojo revealed that the existing fire service law has been in place for over six decades without significant review.
“I’m happy the National Assembly is here. The National Assembly is already working on the fire service law because the fire service act that we have at the moment is over 60 years old. We need to, of course, improve the rescue operations,” the minister said.
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He stressed that the success of the fire service must be measured not only by its response to incidents but by its ability to prevent loss of life and property altogether.
“Fire Service is one of the most impactful agencies in this country. Every time there’s a fire incident and rescue operation and someone dies, it’s a failure on the Fire Service.
“Your job is to prevent fire you are as important to life as oxygen can be,” Tunji-Ojo stated.
Addressing the newly appointed fire chief, the minister urged him to lead with conviction rather than seeking universal approval.
“You are 100% of my supporter, but you don’t expect 100% support of your men. It’s the truth. If you are waiting for 100% support, you will never realise it.
Leadership is not a popularity contest. Leadership is not about who likes what you say. Leadership is the conviction of one’s heart,” he said.
Tunji-Ojo further charged fire officers to prioritise prevention, mitigation, and public responsibility, saying these were as essential to life as oxygen.
In his acceptance speech, Adeyemi expressed gratitude to President Bola Tinubu and the interior minister for his appointment, promising to work with stakeholders to reposition the fire service.
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“With profound humility and a heart full of gratitude, I stand before you today on this historic occasion of my decoration as the Comptroller-General of the Federal Fire Service.
“This appointment is a great honour, and I do not take it lightly. I pledge my total loyalty and unwavering commitment to justifying this confidence through diligent service, integrity, and purposeful leadership,” he said.
