The Fire Service Recruitment process represents a vital gateway for patriotic and passionate Nigerians to serve their nation through one of the most respected emergency services in the country. The Federal Fire Service (FFS), a key paramilitary agency under the Ministry of the Interior, is responsible for fire prevention, firefighting, rescue services, and public safety operations across Nigeria.
Since its transformation from the colonial-era Lagos Police Fire Brigade to a nationwide federal body, the Fire Service has consistently expanded its scope and operations. With modernized equipment, trained personnel, and a renewed commitment to safeguarding lives and property, the FFS seeks courageous, physically fit, and dedicated individuals to join its ranks through a transparent and merit-based recruitment exercise.
Why You Should Join the Fire Service
Working with the Federal Fire Service is more than just a job — it’s a calling. It offers a unique opportunity to serve the country while building a fulfilling career in public safety. The recruitment is open to individuals who possess not only the right qualifications but also the strength of character and sense of duty required in emergency response roles.
Successful candidates enjoy job stability, ongoing career development, and the chance to make a lasting impact on their communities. Personnel are often the first line of defense during emergencies such as fire outbreaks, hazardous material incidents, and disaster rescue operations. By joining the service, you become a key pillar in Nigeria’s safety and resilience framework.
Career Opportunities and Available Roles
The Federal Fire Service offers various roles to suit different skill sets and qualifications. Whether you are a secondary school graduate, a degree holder, or a specialist in technical or administrative fields, there is a place for you in the service.
Some of the positions typically available during recruitment include:
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Firefighter Cadet: Entry-level position involving direct fire suppression, emergency rescue operations, and disaster response duties.
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Inspector of Fire: Responsible for conducting fire risk assessments, enforcing fire safety codes, and community education.
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Assistant Fire Superintendent: Mid-level management role involving supervision, training, and coordination of firefighting teams.
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Technical Officers (Mechanical, Electrical, ICT): Specialists who maintain, operate, and repair fire trucks, alarms, water systems, and other high-tech firefighting equipment.
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Medical and Welfare Officers: Provide healthcare support, psychological services, and welfare management for personnel.
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Administrative Staff: Handle human resources, logistics, accounting, and communications within the service.
The recruitment exercise may also include support roles in information technology, procurement, public relations, and civil engineering depending on operational needs.
General Requirements for Applicants
To qualify for recruitment into the Federal Fire Service, applicants must meet a number of mandatory criteria. These requirements ensure that only the most capable and qualified individuals are selected to serve.
Key eligibility criteria include:
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Must be a citizen of Nigeria by birth.
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Possession of a valid means of identification (National ID, Voter Card, International Passport, or Driver’s License).
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Age range is typically between 18 to 35 years, depending on the role applied for.
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Applicants must be medically, physically, and mentally fit. Height and chest measurements may be assessed for specific operational roles.
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Educational qualifications vary by position:
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Firefighter Cadet: Minimum of WASSCE/NECO/NABTEB with five credits including Mathematics and English.
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Inspector Cadre: OND/NCE or equivalent from a recognized institution.
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Superintendent Cadre: HND/Bachelor’s Degree in relevant fields from accredited institutions.
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Applicants must be of good character and free from any form of criminal conviction.
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Candidates must not be members of any secret cult, society, or fraternity.
Additional technical or professional certifications are considered an advantage.
Application Guidelines and Procedure
All applications for Fire Service recruitment are to be submitted online through the designated recruitment portal, typically found at https://fedfire.gov.ng/ or https://cdcfib.gov.ng/ during active recruitment windows.
Application steps include:
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Visit the recruitment portal and create an applicant profile using a valid email address and phone number.
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Complete the online form with accurate personal information, academic background, and work history.
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Upload scanned copies of required credentials including educational certificates, birth certificate, passport-sized photo, and certificate of origin.
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Review all details carefully before submitting the application. Once submitted, an acknowledgment slip or printout should be generated.
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Shortlisted candidates will be invited for screening exercises which may include physical fitness tests, aptitude tests (CBT), document verification, and medical examinations.
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Final selection will be based on performance in the screening stages, availability of slots, and zonal or merit-based distribution.
Applicants are advised to check the portal regularly for updates regarding shortlisting, screening dates, and deployment.
Important Dates and Announcements
Recruitment into the Federal Fire Service is conducted periodically, and official announcements are made through the portal, national newspapers, and verified government social media handles.
Recruitment windows are often time-bound, and prospective applicants are encouraged to begin the application process early to avoid missing deadlines. For example, notices such as “portal loading until July 14” or “recruitment phase open from May 15 to June 30” may be posted on the official sites.
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Application Opens: June 30, 2025
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Portal Closes: July 14, 2025
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Screening & Aptitude Tests: Dates will be communicated to shortlisted candidates via email and SMS.
All shortlisted candidates are notified through email, SMS, or portal login.
Training and Orientation
Successful applicants will undergo a structured and intensive training program at designated Fire Service Training Schools across Nigeria. The training equips recruits with practical skills, technical knowledge, and discipline required to perform their duties effectively.
Training modules include:
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Fire suppression techniques and use of extinguishers and hoses.
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Hazardous material (HAZMAT) response and decontamination.
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High-angle rescue, water rescue, and urban search-and-rescue (USAR) operations.
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Fire prevention education, investigation, and community outreach.
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Emergency medical response and first aid.
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Physical drills, tactical simulations, and command exercises.
Recruits are expected to show commitment, teamwork, and resilience throughout the training period. Upon successful completion, candidates are formally inducted and deployed to state commands or specialized units.
Career Growth and Advancement
The Fire Service offers a well-defined career progression structure supported by continuous professional development. Promotions are awarded based on years of service, performance appraisals, leadership potential, and successful completion of promotional courses or exams.
Career pathways include specialization in:
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Operations and field command
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Fire safety inspection and enforcement
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Training and education
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Logistics and technical support
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Research and innovation
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Public affairs and civil engagement
Officers may also benefit from foreign training programs, exchange courses, and leadership development initiatives sponsored by the Federal Government and international partners.
Professional Ethics and Code of Conduct
Personnel of the Federal Fire Service are held to high ethical and professional standards. Recruits must pledge allegiance to serve the country with integrity, discipline, and compassion. Core values such as honesty, respect for human dignity, impartiality, and commitment to duty are non-negotiable.
Officers are expected to:
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Exhibit professional behavior in public and in the workplace.
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Adhere to all service regulations, safety protocols, and chain of command.
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Protect lives and property with bravery and impartiality.
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Refrain from corruption, extortion, and misconduct.
Violations of the code of conduct attract strict disciplinary measures, including dismissal or prosecution.
Support Channels and Contact Information
The Federal Fire Service maintains open communication with applicants and the general public. For inquiries, complaints, or technical issues related to the recruitment process, candidates may contact:
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Recruitment Support: Available via helpdesk on the recruitment portal.
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Public Relations Office: Located at Fire Service Headquarters for direct correspondence.
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Official Email & Social Media Handles: Updated regularly with authentic news, alerts, and clarifications.
Applicants are urged to rely only on official channels for information. Beware of unauthorized individuals or websites requesting payment for guaranteed placements — recruitment into the Federal Fire Service is free and strictly merit-based.
How to join the Nigerian Fire Service
The 2025 Federal Fire Service (FFS) recruitment process is conducted through the Civil Defence, Correctional, Fire and Immigration Services Board (CDCFIB). Applicants should visit the official portal at recruitment.cdcfib.org starting June 26, 2025, and open for three weeks. Begin by registering an account, then select “Federal Fire Service” under your desired cadre—Superintendent, Inspectorate, or Assistant.
Only one application per person is allowed. You’ll need to fill in personal and educational data, upload required documents (SSCE or higher, birth certificate, ID, passport photo), and submit. After submission, print the acknowledgment slip. Eligibility requirements include being a Nigerian citizen, aged 18–35, physically and mentally fit, and meeting minimum height standards (1.65 m for men, 1.60 m for women). Avoid unofficial agents: the exercise is free, and only official messages from CDCFIB are valid.
What is the basic salary of fire service in Nigeria?
Federal Fire Service salaries follow the CONPASS pay structure. Entry-level Fire Marshal Assistants III earn approximately ₦70,577 monthly, rising to around ₦85,747 and ₦100,587 for Fire Marshal Assistants II and I respectively .
These ranks correspond to those who joined with O’Level certificates. Officers with ND/HND begin at higher ranks like Senior Fire Marshal Assistant, commanding about ₦120,427 per month Beyond base salaries, personnel receive multiple allowances—including hazard pay (20–30%), housing (≈50%), transport, uniform, medical, and shift-duty allowances—that significantly boost total income Overall, monthly remuneration for most fire service personnel ranges between ₦70,000 and ₦200,000+, depending on rank and qualifications.
What are the ranks in fire service in Nigeria?
The Federal Fire Service uses a hierarchical structure spanning junior to senior ranks. Starting from Fire Marshal Assistants (III, II, I), personnel progress to Senior Fire Marshal Assistants, Deputy and Chief Fire Marshal Assistants. Above them, ranks include Marshal Inspectors III, II, I, leading to Senior Marshal Inspector, Principal Marshal Inspector, Assistant Chief Inspector, Deputy Chief Inspector, and Chief Inspector.
Entry-level ranks depend on educational qualification: O’Level holders begin as Fire Marshal Assistant III, ND/HND holders may start as Senior Assistants, and degree holders often begin in Inspector tiers. Advancement is based on promotion exams, experience, and performance, leading to higher CONPASS levels and pay brackets.
How to check fire service recruitment list?
To check the official Nigerian Fire Service shortlist for 2025, regularly monitor the CDCFIB portal: recruitment.cdcfib.org —the only authorized source for shortlist updates. Avoid list leaks or unofficial postings on social media as CDCFIB warns against fraudulent messages and emphasizes that successful candidates will be contacted directly via the official portal or email.
Once the shortlist is published (usually weeks after application deadline closure), shortlisted names and next-taking instructions (e.g., screening venues and document requirements) will be accessible on the portal. Candidates should print or download their status and follow up promptly. Stay alert by bookmarking the portal and enabling alerts from trusted agencies or news outlets.
Warning
The Federal Fire Service does not require payment for job placements. Beware of fraudulent websites and individuals claiming to represent the Service. Report suspicious activities to the nearest Fire Service Command or security agency.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is the recruitment process free of charge?
Yes. The application is free. No payment is required at any stage.
Can women apply?
Absolutely. The recruitment is open to both men and women who meet the requirements.
What happens after the application?
Applicants who meet the criteria and pass initial screenings will be contacted for further tests and interviews.
Is there accommodation during training?
Yes. Trainees are housed in designated training facilities during their induction period.
Will there be recruitment this year?
Recruitment is typically conducted once or twice a year. Monitor the official portal for verified announcements.
Begin Your Journey of Service
A career in the Federal Fire Service is more than a uniform — it is a path of honor, sacrifice, and service. Whether you’re responding to emergencies or educating the public on fire safety, your role as a fire officer shapes the future of community resilience in Nigeria.
If you’re ready to make a difference, stay vigilant for recruitment announcements and prepare to serve.