Fire Service Reform: LBW Hails Tinubu, Tunji-Ojo for Bold Move to Replace 63-Year-Old Obsolete Law
The Lion of Bourdillon Waves (LBW), a sociopolitical support group, has commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu led Federal Government and the Minister of Interior, Hon. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo (BTO), for the courageous move to repeal the 63-year-old Fire Service Act and enact a modern Federal Fire and Rescue Service Law.
In a statement jointly signed by its National Convener, Engr. Daniel Oke, and National Secretary, Hon. Rotimi Ekundayo, and issued on Monday, the group described the reform as a landmark decision that shows the Tinubu administration has the political will to dismantle obsolete laws that have held critical institutions hostage for decades.
LBW said it was particularly impressed that for the first time since 1963, a President has taken the bull by the horns to modernize Nigeria's emergency response architecture.
"We commend the courage and uncommon reformist spirit of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and his dynamic Minister of Interior, Hon. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo. What previous administrations lacked the will to do, this government is doing. You cannot run a 2026 emergency system with a 1963 law. This bold step is classic PBAT, Renewed Hope in action," the statement read.
The group noted that the proposed law, which according to the Minister has completed its defence at the Federal Executive Council level and will be presented this Thursday, will transform the Federal Fire Service into a comprehensive rescue agency responsible for emergency medical services, search and rescue, hazardous materials (HAZMAT) response, disaster management and accident investigation.
According to LBW, Minister Tunji-Ojo's articulation of the reform, that "there is no right way of doing what is legally wrong", underscores the legal bottleneck that had made the job of firemen impossible and justifies the urgent need for the new law.
The group further applauded the Minister's vision for a Federal Fire and Rescue Service that can respond to road accidents, floods, toxic gas leaks and other emergencies, provide first aid and medical rescue, as well as his push to incorporate rescue and CPR training into school curricula.
"We align with the Minister's call that rescue must become our way of life. This is not just about fire trucks; it is about building a fire-resilient Nigeria where every citizen has basic life saving skills," the statement added.
The support group also lauded ongoing institutional strengthening under BTO, including the 65% completion of the 23-hectare Fire Service Academy in Kwali, Abuja, with capacity for over 3,000 trainees, the expansion of the Service's leadership from one to three Deputy Controller-Generals, and the increase of commands from 6 to 18.
LBW said the training of 713 officers last week and 750 personnel currently undergoing training, plus the nationwide awareness campaigns in motor parks, schools and markets for the 2026 National Fire Safety Week themed ‘Building a Fire-Resilient Nigeria: Don't Go Missing at a Time’, are proofs of a working government.
The group passed a vote of confidence on President Tinubu and Hon. Tunji-Ojo and urged the National Assembly to give accelerated passage to the new Bill when presented, in the interest of public safety.
"History will remember this administration for fixing what others abandoned. BTO is delivering on the President's Renewed Hope Agenda with precision and courage," the statement concluded.
Signed:
Engr. Daniel Oke
National Convener,
Lion of Bourdillon Waves (LBW)
Hon. Rotimi Ekundayo
National Secretary,
Lion of Bourdillon Waves (LBW)