The Controller-General of the Federal Fire Service, Olumode Adeyemi, has announced the introduction of a Medical Intervention Scheme and other welfare initiatives, including an increase in the Service’s interest-free loan facility from ₦300,000 to ₦500,000.
Adeyemi disclosed this on Tuesday during the inauguration of a Quarter Guard at the Federal Fire Service National Headquarters in Wuse, Abuja.
He said the measures were introduced shortly after he assumed office to improve the welfare of officers and men.
According to him, staff welfare has remained a top priority since he took over the leadership of the Service.
“One of the commitments I made to my officers and men was to prioritise the welfare of our workforce,” he said.
The Controller-General revealed that he declined a planned grand reception organised in his honour by friends in Nigeria and abroad, opting instead to channel the funds towards improving the welfare of firefighters.
“I had to turn down a beautifully crafted grand reception by my friends both at home and in the diaspora. The funds were then used to buy mattresses and other items to support firefighters across Nigeria,” he said.
Speaking on the Medical Intervention Scheme, Adeyemi explained that it was designed to reduce the financial burden of healthcare on personnel.
“I also initiated the Medical Intervention scheme where officers and men under my hand got medical intervention to subsidise medical expenses,” he said.
He added that the Service had also expanded its interest-free loan scheme.
“The interest fees loan increase from Three Hundred Thousand Naira to Five Hundred Thousand Naira, amongst others,” he said.
Adeyemi said the welfare reforms had significantly improved morale among personnel, noting that officers voluntarily funded and constructed the Quarter Guard unveiled on Tuesday without any directive from the leadership.
“Little did I know that these packages were a door to the heart and soul of my workforce, which has translated into one of the most motivated workforces in Nigeria and my bragging right,” he said.
Describing the gesture as unprecedented, he said it reflected the confidence personnel now have in the Service’s leadership.
“For the first time in the history of our Service, officers have chosen to leave a lasting legacy, not because they were instructed to do so, but because they believe in the vision and direction of the Federal Fire Service,” he said.
He also directed the Chairman of the Controller-General’s Awards Committee, DCG M.A. Tambari, to document the initiative and other exceptional contributions by officers across the country for formal recognition.
The Federal Fire Service has long faced concerns over the welfare of its personnel, who often work in hazardous conditions with limited access to adequate medical care and financial support.
Since assuming office about a year ago, Adeyemi has introduced several welfare reforms, including the Medical Intervention Scheme, an increase in the interest-free loan facility and the redirection of funds meant for his official reception to procure mattresses and other welfare items for firefighters nationwide.
These initiatives form part of broader efforts to improve staff welfare, morale and institutional commitment.
