FG Moves to Overhaul 63-Year-Old Fire Service Act

By Adedapo Adesanya

The federal government has moved to replace Nigeria’s 63-year-old Fire Service legislation with a modern legal framework designed to strengthen emergency response and address emerging safety challenges.

The Minister of Interior, Mr Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, said the existing Fire Service Act of 1963 was no longer adequate to address the country’s changing emergency management needs.

He explained that the administration of President Bola Tinubu had initiated legislative reforms to repeal the outdated law and establish a more comprehensive Federal Fire and Rescue Service Act.

According to the minister, the proposed legislation would expand the responsibilities of the Federal Fire Service beyond conventional firefighting to cover a wider range of hazardous incidents and emergencies.

Mr Tunji-Ojo said the reform was necessary to equip the service with the legal authority and institutional capacity required to respond effectively to modern-day challenges.

He disclosed that the proposed legislation had been defended and was scheduled to be laid before the Senate for consideration and passage.

The proposed Act is expected to provide a stronger legal foundation for emergency response, rescue operations and improved public safety.

The reform forms part of the Federal Government’s efforts to modernise institutions under the Ministry of Interior and strengthen the country’s emergency management architecture.

The country is stepping up efforts to modernise some of its old laws that were codified over 50 years ago. Last month, the Senate called for the replacement of Nigeria’s 100-year old Quarantine Act of 1926 with a modern public health law aligned with the International Health Regulations of 2005, amid concerns over the spread of the Bundibugyo Ebola virus.

Lawmakers expressed concern that Nigeria’s existing legal framework for quarantine and port health operations was outdated, while inadequate staffing and equipment at several entry points could weaken the country’s ability to detect and contain imported cases.