The Federal Government has strengthened the nation’s emergency response system with the deployment of more than 700 newly trained firefighters to various parts of the country.
The development was announced on Thursday during the passing-out parade of Regular Course 6 cadet officers held after weeks of intensive training in Jos, Plateau State.
Speaking at the ceremony, the Minister of Interior, Dr Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, described the deployment as a significant step toward improving national safety and emergency preparedness.
Tunji-Ojo said the induction of the new officers would enhance the operational reach of the Federal Fire Service, reduce response time, and improve service delivery in the protection of lives, property, strategic assets, and critical infrastructure nationwide.
“This passing-out parade will go down as the largest in the history of the Federal Fire Service. It signals a clear shift from reactive emergency response to proactive national safety, extending our operational depth, improving response time and enhancing service capacity to protect strategic assets, critical infrastructure and communities nationwide,” the minister said.
He emphasised that Nigeria still requires additional firefighters, including experts in Emergency Medical Services, fire inspection, and hazardous materials management, to align with global best practices.
According to the minister, safety remains a core national security issue, noting that a secure environment supports economic development and strengthens investor confidence.
Addressing the newly inducted officers, Tunji-Ojo encouraged them to carry themselves with pride, discipline, and humility, stressing that true leadership is anchored on responsibility rather than position.
“You should proudly wear your uniform, but with a sense of humility and honour. I urge you to go out there and make the Federal Fire Service proud and Nigeria great,” Tunji-Ojo said.
The minister was represented at the event by the Secretary to the Civil Defence, Correctional, Fire and Immigration Services Board, Major-General Abdulmalik Jubril (retd.).
Also at the ceremony, Plateau State Governor, Caleb Mutfwang, represented by his deputy, Josephine Piyo, underscored the importance of fire safety to the state’s development and wellbeing.
Piyo assured that the Plateau State Government would continue to work closely with the Federal Fire Service to prevent fire incidents and protect residents and property.
“As a government, we will continue to ensure the safety of the lives and property of citizens in the state,” she said.
Earlier, the Controller-General of the Federal Fire Service, Engr. Olumode Samuel Adeyemi, said the Federal Government was investing in stronger firefighting infrastructure and the adoption of modern technology to improve response time and fire prevention.
He revealed that the newly deployed firefighters underwent months of intensive training at the Nigeria Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA, Training Camp in Jos, expressing confidence in their readiness for nationwide deployment.
Adeyemi noted that the cadets had been transformed from civilians into professional uniformed personnel capable of immediate engagement in firefighting and rescue operations.
“You now bear the responsibility, authority and honour of the uniform entrusted with safeguarding the lives and property of Nigerians. I expect you to uphold the highest standards of professionalism and operational guidelines at all times in the discharge of your duties,” Adeyemi said.
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