FG Revamps National Fire Academy

FG kicks off the National Fire Academy's renovation

A groundbreaking ceremony for the renovation and modernization of National Fire Academy Sheda, Abuja, was held by the Federal Government on Tuesday.

The National Fire Academy, which is situated in Kwali Area Council in Abuja, is anticipated to cost billions of naira to renovate with world-class facilities for competitiveness in the worldwide market.

Speaking at the event, Interior Minister Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo stated that the project would be finished in a year and that it would be prepared for commissioning for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's second anniversary in office.

He promised to transform the National Fire Academy into a top-tier organization with cutting-edge infrastructure and contemporary facilities so that it could export its training programs to other countries.

Tunji-Ojo lamented that the Fire Service had become a “slumbering giant" over the years and asked its members to assume their roles as first responders in emergency situations in order to protect people and property across the nation.

He reminded the Service that the government is taking all the necessary steps to ensure productivity and efficiency in service delivery and pointed out that what the Service was established to perform is a function of the Constitution.

Additionally, he said that the government is making significant efforts to remove the Federal Fire Service establishing Act, characterizing it as out-of-date.

Remember that the Federal Fire and Rescue Service Establishment Act 2022 was approved for adoption by the Federal Executive Council (FEC).

The previous law that established the Fire Service, which has been in place for more than 60 years, is to be replaced by the new proposed law. The goal of the Federal Fire and Rescue Service Establishment Act 2022 is to modernize the Federal Fire Service's operations and professionalism in providing services to Nigerians.

According to Tunji-Ojo, “By the grace of God, we will be working hard for the repeal and enactment of Fire and Rescue Service Establishment Act. This ancient law since 1963 is obsolete. The scope of Fire Service all over the world in 2024 cannot be lost in the ancient law of 1963,” he said.

Jaji Abdulganiyu, Controller-General of the Federal Fire Service, expressed optimism in his welcoming speech regarding the National Fire Academy's redesign, stating that it would effectively solve some of the difficulties facing the institution.

A few of the issues he mentioned were inadequate space for classrooms and offices; a lack of firefighting infrastructure; an inability to train responders on how to handle hazardous materials or weapons of mass destruction incidents; inadequate capacity for aerial and marine firefighting; and the need for rescue operations during flood incidents.

He continued by saying that with these skills and resources established at the Academy, the Institution will serve as Nigeria's and other countries' one-stop center for all life safety system training.

Abdulganiyu praised the minister for the creativity and vision he has applied to every paramilitary organization under his command.

He also praised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's current administration for its dedication to ensuring the safety and security of Nigerians.

He also mentioned how highly motivated the soldiers and commanders are in the Federal Fire Service, “These Incentives have renewed the Hope of Fire Men across the country and we are grateful to the Honourable Minister who was consistent in his engagement with the National Salaries, Income and Wages Commission, the result of which all paramilitary agencies under his watch are better for it.”