Olumode Samuel Adeyemi, who heads the Federal Fire Service, wants lawmakers to move faster on a new fire service law. He made the push during Monday's International Firefighters' Day ceremony in Abuja.
Nigeria's current fire service operates under a 1963 law. That legislation came after independence transformed the old Lagos Police Fire Brigade into a national agency.
The Federal Executive Council gave approval to replace the outdated law back in June 2022. They endorsed the Federal Fire and Rescue Service Establishment Act 2022 as its replacement.
Yet the National Assembly hasn't acted on it since then. Adeyemi told reporters the delay needs to end now.
"I call on members of the National Assembly to fast-track the repeal and enactment of the Federal Fire Service and Rescue Act," he noted. According to him, lawmakers should also fund fire stations in their constituencies to expand coverage and cut response times.
He urged big business to support the agency too. "I also call on corporate Nigerians to include the Fire Service in their corporate social responsibility initiatives," Adeyemi added.
The service chief highlighted what his personnel accomplished early this year. During the first quarter of 2026 alone, firefighters responded to hundreds of emergencies and saved more than 1,700 lives.
They also protected property worth over N300 billion during that same period. "These are not just numbers; they are lives preserved, livelihoods protected, and futures secured through the courage and commitment of our firefighters," Adeyemi said.
His comments underscore growing frustration about how long the legislative process has dragged on. Many believe the new law would modernize the service and boost its effectiveness nationwide.
