Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, minister of Interior, says that the remodelling and upgrade of the National Fire Academy (NFA) in Sheda, Abuja, has reached 65 per cent completion.
Tunji-Ojo disclosed this on Friday after inspecting the ongoing construction at the academy, which serves as the training arm of the Federal Fire Service (FFS).
The minister, who performed the groundbreaking ceremony for the project in May 2025, said the development is aimed at establishing a world-class fire training institution.
He noted that the current phase of the project occupies about 10 hectares of land.
According to him “Consultants have indicated that the project is at 70 per cent completion, but from my assessment, it is about 65 per cent. We have been assured that the project will be delivered by May,”.
Tunji-Ojo further revealed that plans were underway to acquire an additional 13 hectares of land to establish a paramilitary institute for officers and personnel of agencies under the ministry.
He explained that the institute would focus on professionalism and career development, integrating training programmes across the services to enhance efficiency and standards.
According to him, the upgraded academy will not only train FFS personnel but also provide opportunities for private sector participants, thereby reducing the need for overseas training in rescue management and emergency services.
He described the project as a significant investment in capacity building, adding that modern fire services now extend beyond firefighting to comprehensive emergency response.
Samuel Olumode, controller-general of the FFS, said the academy would strengthen service delivery nationwide. He added that the facility would have the capacity to accommodate up to 3,000 participants at a time.
Olumode noted that the academy would feature a specialised firehouse for search and rescue operations — a facility he said is not currently available elsewhere in West Africa.
He expressed confidence that the service has sufficient human resources to manage the expanded infrastructure once completed.
