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.
The Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, disclosed this on Monday during the 2026 National Fire Safety Week in Abuja.
He said the proposed legislation had completed its defence at the Federal Executive Council level and was expected to be presented for consideration on Thursday.
According to the minister, the new law will expand the agency’s responsibilities beyond firefighting to cover emergency medical services, search and rescue operations, hazardous materials response, disaster management and accident investigation.
“For the first time in 63 years, this President has taken the bull by the horns. As I speak to you, I think we have finished defending it. It should be laid this week, Thursday, at the level of the Federal Executive Council.
“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,” he said.
Tunji-Ojo explained that the existing legislation had limited the agency’s ability to innovate and respond effectively to emerging emergencies, arguing that it no longer reflected the country’s present realities.
He said the government was working towards establishing a fire and rescue service capable of serving as a first responder during emergencies such as road accidents, floods, earthquakes and incidents involving toxic substances.
The proposed agency would also provide first aid and emergency medical services, while strengthening fire prevention through safety inspections, enforcement of regulations and public education.
