Nigeria: Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo Advances 1963 Fire Service Act Repeal Bill

• Nigeria's Federal Government plans to repeal the 1963 Fire Service Act.
• New legislation will transform the Federal Fire Service into the Federal Fire and Rescue Service.
• The new agency's responsibilities will expand to include emergency medical services, hazardous materials response, and disaster management.
• The proposed bill has completed its defense at the Federal Executive Council and is set for consideration this week.
• Minister of Interior Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo announced these changes, citing the outdated nature of the current law.

The proposed bill has successfully completed its defense at the Federal Executive Council level and is slated for presentation for consideration this week.

The Nigerian Federal Government is moving to repeal the outdated 1963 Fire Service Act, proposing new legislation that would significantly transform the existing Federal Fire Service. This legislative overhaul aims to rebrand the agency as the Federal Fire and Rescue Service, broadening its mandate beyond traditional firefighting. The Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, announced this development on Monday during the 2026 National Fire Safety Week held in Abuja.

The proposed bill has successfully completed its defense at the Federal Executive Council level and is slated for presentation for consideration this week. Minister Tunji-Ojo emphasized that the current administration, led by President Bola Tinubu, is taking a decisive step after 63 years to modernize the nation's emergency response capabilities. This initiative seeks to address the limitations imposed by the antiquated legal framework, which has hindered the agency's ability to adapt to contemporary challenges.

The core objective of the new legislation is to dramatically expand the responsibilities of the renamed Federal Fire and Rescue Service. Beyond its historical focus on combating fires, the agency will now encompass a wider array of critical emergency functions. These new duties include providing emergency medical services, conducting search and rescue operations, responding to incidents involving hazardous materials, managing disasters, and undertaking accident investigations.

Minister Tunji-Ojo highlighted the necessity of this expansion, noting that the 1963 Act was no longer suitable for Nigeria's current realities, restricting innovation and effective response to emerging emergencies. He articulated a vision for a fire service that acts as a primary first responder for various incidents, such as road accidents, floods, earthquakes, and events involving toxic substances. This comprehensive approach also includes strengthening fire prevention through rigorous inspections, enforcement of safety regulations, and public education initiatives.

The Minister underscored the critical legal impediments posed by the existing 1963 Fire Service Act. He argued that a law from 1963 cannot realistically meet the demands of 2026, rendering the work of uniformed personnel impossible when the legal framework does not grant them the necessary authority. Tunji-Ojo stated that performing actions, no matter how beneficial, becomes illegal if not explicitly permitted by law, thus necessitating the repeal.

This legislative reform is designed to empower the Federal Fire and Rescue Service to effectively handle complex scenarios, including specialized rescue operations and hazardous materials (HAZMAT) response for incidents like toxic gas leaks or helicopter crashes. Furthermore, the new agency will play a crucial role in coordinating policies to ensure uniform fire safety standards nationwide, working collaboratively with state and local authorities to achieve this goal.

Beyond legislative changes, the Minister also advocated for integrating rescue techniques and emergency response education into school curricula, stressing the importance of equipping Nigerians with basic lifesaving skills. He questioned the percentage of Nigerians capable of performing even a single resuscitation process, emphasizing that rescue should become a way of life, as one never knows when they might need to assist a loved one or someone important.

In support of these enhanced capabilities and training, the Federal Government has initiated the construction of a fire service academy in Kwali, Abuja. This vital infrastructure project was targeted for completion by May 2026, signifying a tangible commitment to bolstering Nigeria's emergency response capacity and ensuring that the future Federal Fire and Rescue Service is well-equipped and highly trained to meet its expanded mandate.

The proposed repeal of the 1963 Fire Service Act and its replacement with legislation establishing the Federal Fire and Rescue Service significantly expands the scope of emergency services in Nigeria. Lawyers and compliance officers should anticipate new or updated regulations concerning emergency preparedness, hazardous materials management, disaster response, and potentially new compliance obligations for businesses, requiring a review of existing safety protocols and risk assessments to align with the broadened mandate of the new agency.

Source: Original reporting via PUNCH Nigeria