FG clears 50,000 paramilitary promotion backlog

From** Isaac Anumihe, **Abuja

The Federal Government has cleared a backlog of over 50,000 promotions across paramilitary agencies, accumulated several years before the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the Minister of Interior, Dr Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, has said.

Tunji-Ojo, who disclosed this yesterday at the 2026 National Fire Safety Week in Abuja, said promotions were now concluded before December every year.

The event was held under the theme, “Building a Fire-Resilient Nigeria: One Community at a Time.”

According to the minister, the 2026 promotion exercise has been completed, while preparations for the 2027 exercise have commenced.

He further disclosed that nearly 100,000 promotions had been effected in less than 10 years.

The minister also revealed that approximately 5,000 candidates were at the final stage of the latest recruitment exercise, involving drug testing, documentation and deployment.

He said the number of Federal Fire Service (FFS) commands had increased from six to 18, creating more opportunities for career advancement.

Tunji-Ojo also confirmed that risk allowances and other allowances for officers had been approved.

Commending FFS personnel for their dedication and sacrifices, the minister acknowledged the risks they faced and the sleepless nights they endured to ensure the safety of Nigerians.

He assured them that the present administration recognised and appreciated their invaluable contributions to national safety and security.

The minister reiterated the Federal Government’s determination to transform the FFS into a full-fledged fire and rescue service.

He identified the outdated legal framework as a major obstacle to the reform, noting that the Fire Service Act, which dates back more than 60 years, could no longer adequately support the demands of a modern fire and rescue service.

“No matter how good an action is, if the law does not empower you to do it, it becomes illegal,” he said.

Tunji-Ojo commended the Comptroller-General of FFS, Olumode Samuel Adeyemi, for the achievements recorded under the existing legal framework, particularly the significant improvement in response times.

He stressed that the proposed new law would provide the necessary legal backing for improved performance.

The minister called for stronger fire inspections and enforcement of fire safety codes, supported by trained fire marshals in every district and community.

He also advocated the integration of rescue techniques and basic life-saving skills into school curricula at all levels to equip Nigerians with the knowledge to perform basic resuscitation during emergencies.

In a statement, he urged the FFS to collaborate with educational institutions to make the skills a national norm.

Tunji-Ojo further disclosed that the National Fire Academy (NFA), located on approximately 23 hectares of land in Sheda, Kwali, Federal Capital Territory (FCT), was 85 per cent complete and expected to be ready by the end of the year.

The facility will feature drill towers, classrooms, a library, a training centre, a health centre and hostel accommodation for more than 3,000 trainees at a time. It will also be powered by solar energy.

He added that the fire hydrant facility was expected to be completed by December, while the academy would be commissioned upon completion.

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