By: Odeh Favour Adiya
The Controller-General of the Federal Fire Service, Olumode Adeyemi, has introduced a new Medical Intervention Scheme along with an upgraded welfare package that increases interest-free loans for personnel from ₦300,000 to ₦500,000.
Adeyemi made this announcement on Tuesday during the inauguration of a Quarter Guard at the Federal Fire Service National Headquarters in Wuse, Abuja.
According to him, the newly rolled out measures were introduced shortly after he assumed office in a bid to elevate the overall living conditions and morale of officers and men across the command.
He emphasized that staff welfare has remained his top operational priority since taking over 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 further disclosed that he turned down an elaborate reception planned by associates to honor his appointment, directing that the funds be redirected to support rank-and-file 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 stated.
Speaking further on the health package, Adeyemi explained that the Medical Intervention Scheme was specifically designed to lighten the personal financial burden of healthcare on service officers.
“I also initiated the Medical Intervention scheme where officers and men under my hand got medical intervention to subsidise medical expenses,” he noted.
He also confirmed the upward review of the soft loan package for staff members.
“The interest fees loan increase from Three Hundred Thousand Naira to Five Hundred Thousand Naira, amongst others,” he said.
Adeyemi noted that these welfare reforms have significantly raised the spirits of personnel, pointing out that officers voluntarily funded and constructed the newly unveiled Quarter Guard without any official directive or administrative mandate.
“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.
Characterizing the voluntary project as unprecedented, he added that it clearly demonstrates the deep trust and confidence the officers now repose in the current 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 added.
Following the project’s completion, Adeyemi directed the Chairman of the Controller-General’s Awards Committee, DCG M.A. Tambari, to properly document the self-funded initiative and other outstanding contributions by personnel nationwide for formal recognition.
The Federal Fire Service has historically grappled with challenges surrounding staff welfare, with personnel frequently operating in hazardous environments despite limited access to financial support and adequate medical care.
Since taking office about a year ago, Adeyemi has rolled out multiple reform initiatives, including the medical scheme, expanded interest-free loans, and the reallocation of ceremonial funds toward essential welfare supplies like mattresses for firefighters nationwide.
These combined efforts form part of a broader ongoing push to enhance personnel morale, institutional commitment, and operational efficiency across the agency.
