RESTORING CONFIDENCE IN FIRE SAFETY 

OPINION EDITORIAL

Adewole Oluwasolape Writes from Abuja

In recent times, the Federal Fire Service (FFS) has experienced a transformational shift that is redefining fire emergency management in Nigeria. At the heart of this renewed commitment is the visionary leadership of Hon. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, the Minister of Interior, whose strategic oversight and dedication to excellence has revitalized the institution.

Under his watch, the Controller-General of the Federal Fire Service, Engr. Abdulganiyu Jaji, and his team have demonstrated that with the right direction, even the most complex institutions can deliver efficiently. The gains made so far are not just on paper—they are visible, measurable, and increasingly appreciated by the public.

One of the most noticeable achievements is the significant improvement in the response time to fire incidents. Across major cities and even some rural communities, FFS trucks now arrive faster and better equipped to tackle emergencies. This is a direct result of strategic investments, staff training, and logistical upgrades.

A silent but revolutionary improvement has taken place in the way fire officers communicate. The launch of modern Walkie-Talkie systems has significantly enhanced coordination and real-time responses. Communication gaps, which previously led to delays and confusion, are rapidly closing.

Recognizing that effective service delivery starts with capable personnel, the Ministry and the FFS leadership have begun the construction of a world-class Fire Academy. This institution will train a new generation of fire officers in modern firefighting, safety protocols, and emerging technologies.

Equally commendable is the commissioning of advanced firefighting vehicles. These vehicles are fitted with modern safety tools and tailored for both urban and difficult terrains. From state capitals to smaller towns, citizens are seeing new trucks on standby and on duty.

Behind every successful rescue is a motivated fire officer. The leadership has also made deliberate strides in improving staff welfare, ranging from training to promotions, housing, and recognition of outstanding service.

What’s most telling about the current transformation in the Federal Fire Service is how Nigerians are reacting. Across social media, particularly on X (formerly Twitter), citizens are openly acknowledging the change, offering commendations that reflect not just approval but renewed trust.

“The Minister of Interior, Hon. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo has given the Federal Fire Service a new facelift. The #FFS has experienced a tremendous change since his appointment, from buying trucks to handheld radios to quick response and so on,”_ said @JaniceBaby23, who, like many Nigerians, has observed the shift firsthand.

Similarly, @Afooolarry praised the leadership, saying, _“Kudos to the Hon. Olubumi Tunji-Ojo BTO, CG Engr Abdulganiyu Jaji, and leadership of #FFS for the strides made — faster emergency response, launch of the Walkie-Talkie system, fire academy project underway, new fire trucks commissioned, and improved staff welfare.”_ 

That same spirit of approval was echoed by @BadmusFranca, who noted, _“The federal fire service has enhanced its operations under the leadership of the Hon. Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, and the CC, #FFS, Engr. Jaji with the introduction of walkie-talkie phones for improved communication, the establishment of a new fire academy, the commissioning of new fire vehicles, and enhanced staff welfare. We commend these efforts and call for continued improvements to safeguard lives and properties.”

Reflecting on how far the agency has come, @eniolaofLagos tweeted, “For so long, the Federal Fire Service, #FFS, seemed non-functional, but for another magic wand of the #RenewedHope under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the Minister of Interior, Hon. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, has taken the #FirePrevention game to another level. A good job by the CG.”

Speaking to the operational capacity and training, @Omobaba_saki shared, “The #FFS under the leadership of Hon Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo and CG Engr. AbdulGaniyu Jaji has been able to respond rapidly to fire incidents with state of the art fire service trucks, with modern facilities to help combat fire. Also the Federal Fire Service to get World Class Academy. This will enable them train men and women of the fire service in modern ways and introduce them to new technologies and also fire service safety precautions to observe when there is an incident.”

And in a more policy-forward tone, @AbuAbdulHameed7 tweeted, “Under the leadership of CG FFS Engr. Jaji and HMI Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, the Federal Fire Service has witnessed transformative reforms including deployment of new response vehicles, reduced emergency response time, upgrade of the National Fire Academy, staff promotions, and structural expansion plans. With the proposed Federal Fire & Rescue Service Bill, the service has the potential to become a self-sufficient, revenue-generating institution capable of massive employment.” 

These real, unfiltered statements demonstrate just how much progress has been made—and how well it is being received by the very people the agency was established to protect.

While we celebrate these achievements, it is important to remember that this must be the beginning, not the peak. Fire outbreaks remain a significant risk in homes, markets, schools, and industries across Nigeria, especially during the harmattan and festive seasons, as well as power surges.

The Federal Fire Service must continue to expand its reach to underserved regions, intensify fire safety education, improve partnerships with state and local authorities, and sustain the momentum of innovation. The proposed Fire & Rescue Service Bill must also receive wide support to ensure the agency becomes more autonomous, responsive, and accountable.

In my opinion, the leadership of Hon. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo and CG Engr. Abdulganiyu Jaji has ushered in a new era of excellence within the Federal Fire Service. From faster response times to technology upgrades, training investments, and staff motivation, the Service is clearly undergoing a transformation rooted in vision, discipline, and action.

But there is still work to be done. The FFS must build on these foundations and rise to meet even greater expectations. Nigerians are not just hopeful, they are watching.

Now more than ever, we must keep the fire of progress burning.