Federal Government to repeal 1963 Fire Service Act and rename Federal Fire Service to Federal Fire and Rescue Service. Minister of Interior Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo announced expansion to include emergency medical, search and rescue at National Fire Safety Week.
The Federal Government is set to repeal the 1963 Fire Service Act and replace it with new legislation that will transform the Federal Fire Service into the Federal Fire and Rescue Service, according to an announcement by the Minister of Interior.
The Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, disclosed this on Monday at the 2026 National Fire Safety Week in Abuja, as reported by Punch Newspapers and other national dailies monitored by Imo Media Hub.
According to the Minister, the proposed legislation has completed its defence at the Federal Executive Council (FEC) level and is expected to be presented for consideration on Thursday this week. He said for the first time in 63 years, the administration of President Bola Tinubu has taken the bull by the horns to reform the service.
Why FG is Renaming the Service
Tunji-Ojo said the existing Fire Service Act of 1963 is no longer compliant with modern emergency realities. He stated, "You cannot have a Fire Service Act of 1963 and think it will be near 2026 compliant."
He said, "So with this new law, we are repealing what used to be the Federal Fire Service Act. What the government of President Bola Tinubu is bringing on board is the Federal Fire and Rescue Service," as quoted by Punch and PRNigeria.
Expanded Mandate Beyond Firefighting
Under the proposed framework, the new Federal Fire and Rescue Service will assume wider responsibilities beyond conventional firefighting. The Minister listed the new mandate to include emergency medical services, search and rescue operations, hazardous materials response, disaster management and accident investigation.
He explained that the restructured agency will serve as a first responder during emergencies including road accidents, floods, earthquakes and incidents involving toxic substances. The reform will reposition the service into a comprehensive emergency response institution capable of responding to disasters and other threats to lives and property.
Other Reforms in the Service
According to reports monitored, the Federal Government has already expanded the service's commands from six to 18 and increased its Deputy Controller-General positions from one to three, while a new training academy in Abuja is 65 per cent complete.
The proposed repeal of the 1963 Act represents a major legislative shift in the statutory framework governing the Federal Fire Service, with the planned Federal Fire and Rescue Service expected to provide first aid, emergency medical assistance and specialised rescue services.
This article originally appeared on Imo Media Hub - www.imomediahub.org | Source: Punch Newspapers, PRNigeria News, THEWILL.
