3,000 capacity World Class Fire Academy to be completed by June, says Minister
The Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, said on Friday that the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu would complete a 3,000 capacity World Class Fire Academy by June
The Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, said on Friday that the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu would complete a 3,000 capacity World Class Fire Academy by June this year to reinforce the commitment of the administration to fire safety and strengthening institutional capacity.
Dr Tunji-Ojo, who inspected the National Fire Academy, Sheda, Abuja, alongside the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry, Dr Magdalene Ajani, expressed satisfaction with the phase of work at the project site.
The project, which includes training grounds, residential quarters, classrooms, a library, and operational equipment units, has, according to the Minister, reached the 65 percent completion stage. He said President Tinubu would commission the project when completed, stressing that the Renewed Hope Agenda is on course.
The Minister expressed delight that the Sheda community and the Kwali Area Council have agreed to provide an additional 13 hectares of land for the Academy, stating that with such development, the Academy would be expanded as a professional training institute for the para-military.
Tunji Ojo emphasised the strategic importance of the National Fire Academy as the backbone of professional training, capacity development, and modernization of fire service operations, not only in Nigeria but for the West African sub-region.
He said the project would reposition the Federal Fire Service to meet emerging global safety demands and equip fire personnel with contemporary skills, modern technology, and the infrastructure necessary to effectively respond to fire emergencies and disaster incidents.
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He noted that fire safety management is not only a security concern but also an economic imperative, as preventable fire outbreaks significantly impact national productivity, private investment, and public confidence.
The Minister further noted that strengthening training standards and operational readiness are key to the Ministry’s broader reform agenda. He underscored the need for continuous improvement in curriculum development, discipline, and professionalism to align with global best practices.
The Permanent Secretary, Dr. Ajani, praised the leadership of the Federal Fire Service and the staff of the Academy for their dedication. She said the Ministry would continue to provide the necessary administrative and policy support required to enhance institutional performance and accountability.
The Controller-General of the Federal Fire Service, Mr. Olumode Samuel Adeyemi, said the Service already had about 11,000 workforce on ground to ensure the smooth take off of the Academy, which had the capacity to accommodate 3,000 students.
Adeyemi, who expressed appreciation to the Tinubu administration for its support for the project, said on completion, the project would address Search and Rescue issues, strengthen emergency response systems, ensure training that scales up the safety of lives and property, as well as the country's national assets.
