The Federal Government of Nigeria has issued a strong appeal for increased private sector investment in the nation's fire safety infrastructure. The call aims to significantly enhance public safety and reduce the devastating impact of fire outbreaks across the country.
CG Adeyemi Champions Public-Private Partnerships
The Controller-General of the Federal Fire Service (FFS), Olumode Adeyemi, made this pivotal announcement during the decoration ceremony of 2,620 senior cadre officers in Abuja on 7 January 2026. Adeyemi emphasized that strategic collaboration with the private sector is a cornerstone of the agency's ongoing reforms.
He highlighted a landmark partnership with the Tony Elumelu Foundation as a prime example. "This collaboration will see 7,400 Nigerians nationwide trained in basic firefighting, safety, and prevention techniques," Adeyemi stated. He explained that such initiatives are designed to protect the economy and build stronger community resilience against fire disasters.
New Ranks Bring New Responsibilities
Addressing the newly promoted officers, the CG charged them to transcend routine duties. "Your new rank is proof that the Service has found you worthy of greater trust and higher responsibility," he said. Adeyemi urged them to wear their ranks with pride by contributing ideas and driving innovation within the service's management, rather than merely expecting formal compliments.
He outlined the expectations clearly: stronger leadership, deeper discipline, and unwavering integrity. The officers were instructed to respect the chain of command, lead by example, and actively embrace innovative solutions to improve service delivery.
Expanding Reach to Tertiary Institutions
In a significant development for emergency response, Adeyemi revealed plans to extend the service's footprint. He announced that a partnership has been finalized to establish fire stations across tertiary institutions in Nigeria. This initiative is specifically targeted at improving response times and service delivery in difficult-to-access terrains during fire emergencies.
The CG commended President Bola Tinubu and the Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, for their steadfast support of the Federal Fire Service. This support has been crucial in enabling these strategic reforms and partnerships.
A Charge from the Board
Echoing the CG's sentiments, the Secretary of the Board for Civil Defence, Correctional, Fire and Immigration Services (CDCFIB), Major General Abdulmalik Jibril (rtd), addressed the decorated officers. He framed their promotion as both an honor and a test. Jibril stated that their new higher ranks come with additional responsibilities and represent a critical test of their integrity and capability, which they must pass to prove their true mettle.
The Federal Fire Service's strategy now clearly focuses on a two-pronged approach: preventive public education through massive training and enhanced operational capacity via infrastructure expansion and officer development.
