The Federal Government has deployed over 700 newly trained firefighters across the country, reaffirming its commitment to protecting lives and property.
Speaking on Thursday at the passing-out parade of Regular Course 6 cadet officers after weeks of rigorous training in Jos, Plateau State, the Minister of Interior, Dr Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, said the deployment marked a major boost to the nation’s emergency response capacity.
According to him, the newly deployed firefighters represent a shift towards proactive national safety by expanding operational depth, improving response time, and strengthening service delivery to protect strategic assets, critical infrastructure and communities 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.
Tunji-Ojo noted that Nigeria requires more firefighters, including specialists in Emergency Medical Services, fire inspection and hazardous materials management, to meet international standards.
He stressed that safety remains a national security priority, adding that it contributes significantly to economic growth and boosts investor confidence.
The minister urged the newly inducted firefighters to be proud of their uniform while remaining humble and responsible, noting that leadership is defined by responsibility, not rank.
“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 speaking at the event, Plateau State Governor, Caleb Mutfwang, who was represented by his deputy, Josephine Piyo, highlighted the importance of fire safety in the state.
Piyo said the state government would continue to collaborate with the Federal Fire Service to curb fire disasters and ensure the safety of lives 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 committed to building a robust firefighting infrastructure and leveraging technology to enhance response time and prevent fire outbreaks.
Adeyemi disclosed that the newly deployed firefighters underwent months of rigorous training at the Nigeria Drug Law Enforcement Agency Training Camp in Jos, expressing confidence that they would live up to expectations.
He said the officers had been transformed from civilians into frontline uniformed personnel of the Federal Fire Service, fully qualified for immediate deployment 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.
