The Federal Government has announced comprehensive reforms designed to restore discipline, improve staff welfare, and reposition the Federal Fire Service as a leading emergency response agency in the country. The Controller General of Fire Service, Olumode Samuel Adeyemi, disclosed this during his maiden official visit to the Abuja Metropolitan Command in Kubwa on Thursday.
Adeyemi, who warned against indiscipline and job racketeering, described firefighting as a “sacred calling” rather than just a salaried job. “Fire service is not a job for you to be earning salaries alone because you are fighting fire. It is a calling to save lives and property. While people run away from fire, firefighters run towards it,” he told officers of the command.
To enhance staff welfare, Adeyemi announced an upward review of the cooperative loan ceiling from ₦300,000 to ₦500,000 and pledged to pursue first-line charge funding to strengthen the agency’s finances. He revealed that discussions had already been held with the Accountant General of the Federation on the matter.
The Fire Service boss emphasized that discipline would be strictly enforced, warning officers against improper dressing, racketeering, and negligence. He promised annual awards for outstanding officers, expansion of operational coverage to Gwagwalada, recruitment of more pump operators, and improved mobility for personnel. “Gone are the days when they will call Fire Service and be told there is no truck or water. We must change that narrative,” he declared.
Earlier, the FCT Controller of Fire, Mohammed Anas, described Adeyemi’s visit as historic, being the first to any command since assuming office. While pledging loyalty to the CG’s reform agenda, he highlighted challenges such as inadequate pump operators, poor staff mobility, dilapidated infrastructure, and the need for continuous training and retraining of officers.
With over 2,100 personnel, seven fire stations, and 23 fire outposts across key institutions in the Federal Capital Territory, the FCT Fire Command remains central to safeguarding national assets in Abuja.
