The Federal Fire Service (FFS), in collaboration with the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund), has announced plans to establish functional fire stations in public tertiary institutions across the country to protect government investments in education and safeguard lives and property.
Controller-General of the Federal Fire Service, Dr. Samuel Olumode, disclosed this at the decoration ceremony of 2,620 newly promoted officers of the Service held in Abuja.
According to him, the initiative will not only strengthen fire safety preparedness within tertiary institutions but also create employment opportunities and bring fire services closer to the people.
Dr. Olumode said that since assuming office, his administration had focused on repositioning the Service for improved efficiency, operational readiness, and effective public safety delivery, in line with the Federal Government’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
He highlighted key achievements of his tenure to include morale boosting visits to fire stations across the Federal Capital Territory, improved welfare packages, and financial support to families of officers who lost their lives in the line of duty.
On operational capacity, the Controller-General said 40 refurbished, state-of-the-art fire appliances have been deployed to commands nationwide, while over 700 recruits are currently undergoing intensive fire and emergency response training at the Fire Service Training School in Jos, Plateau State.
In the area of fire prevention, Dr. Olumode said the inauguration of the Public and Private Building Audit Taskforce to identify safety gaps across the country, has gone a long way to strengthened collaboration with State Fire Services to enhance joint response and coordination.
He also highlighted the successes recorded during the 2025 National Fire Safety Week, the Harmattan Fire Safety Campaign, and a virtual town hall engagement with Nigerians at home and in the diaspora.
Speaking on operational readiness, the Controller-General recalled the issuance of a “No Leave, No Holidays” Brigade Order during the 2025 festive season, describing it as a strategic decision aimed at ensuring rapid response to emergencies.
He said the directive enabled the Service to respond effectively to multiple fire incidents nationwide, saving lives and properties worth billions of naira.
Dr. Olumode commended officers and men of the Service for their discipline and sacrifice, urging newly promoted officers to view their elevation as a call to higher standards of leadership, integrity, and service.
“Your new rank is not merely a reward for past service, but a responsibility to lead with vision, discipline, and unwavering integrity,” he said.
Also speaking, the Secretary of the Board of Civil Defence, Immigration, Correctional and Fire Services (CDCFIB), Major General Jibrin Abdulmalik (rtd), described promotion in the Service as the result of discipline, sacrifice, and proven professionalism, stressing that advancement in rank is neither automatic nor accidental.
He said promotions are strictly guided by merit, integrity, and due process, reaffirming the Board’s commitment to transparency and fairness.
Major General Abdulmalik charged the newly promoted officers to justify the confidence reposed in them through continued dedication to national service.
A total of 2,620 officers were decorated with their new ranks, including five Controllers of Fire, eight Assistant Controllers of Fire, 103 Chief Superintendents of Fire, and other senior officers.
RN