Federal Fire Service

The Federal Fire Service (FFS) is the principal agency of the Federal Government of Nigeria responsible for fire prevention, mitigation, and extinction, as well as other emergency and humanitarian services. Established in 1963 by an Act of Parliament, the FFS operates under the supervision of the Ministry of Interior.

Mission and Vision:

• Vision: To produce firefighters proficient in the prevention and mitigation of fire and other emergencies.
• Mission: To ensure the safety of lives and properties by extinguishing, controlling, and preventing fire outbreaks through regulation, training, enforcement, public enlightenment programs, and impact reduction during emergencies through adequate preparedness.

Key Responsibilities:

The FFS carries out a wide range of duties including:

• Firefighting and Control: Responding to fire outbreaks, containing, and extinguishing them effectively.
• Rescue Operations: Conducting search and rescue operations during various emergencies, including fire incidents, traffic accidents, and other disasters.
• Fire Prevention and Safety:
  • Implementing and enforcing fire safety regulations in public and private buildings.
  • Conducting fire risk assessments and inspections to ensure compliance with safety designs.
  • Organizing public awareness and education campaigns on fire prevention.
  • Issuing fire certificates.
• Training and Capacity Building: Providing professional development training for fire and rescue service personnel across the country through institutions like the National Fire Academy (NFA). The NFA, in affiliation with the Nigeria Defence Academy (NDA), also offers postgraduate studies in safety and security.
• Regulation and Standardization: Regulating state and private fire services, prescribing and monitoring standards for fire education, prevention, safety, mitigation, and investigation. Ensuring the standardization of fire and rescue equipment manufactured or imported into Nigeria.
• Disaster Management: Playing a crucial role in broader disaster management efforts, including responding to various emergencies and humanitarian tasks.

Organizational Structure and Presence:

The Federal Fire Service is a paramilitary organization headed by a Controller-General. It has expanded its presence significantly, with offices and fire stations in all 36 states of the federation and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). The FFS also has 13 zonal headquarters strategically positioned for rapid response.