Federal Fire Service (FFS) Recruitment: How to Apply

The Federal Fire Service (FFS) recruits Nigerians who want to fight fires, run rescue operations, and serve in the federal force. This guide shows you the entry routes, requirements, application portal, ranks, and what new recruits earn.

Available Positions

The FFS hires across three cadres. Your cadre depends on your highest qualification.

Category A: Superintendent Cadre

Assistant Superintendent of Fire I (ASF I): Master’s degree or membership of a recognized professional body.
Assistant Superintendent of Fire II (ASF II): Bachelor’s degree from a recognized university.

Category B: Inspectorate Cadre

Senior Inspector of Fire (SIF): Higher National Diploma (HND) from a recognized polytechnic.
Inspector of Fire (IF) – Nursing: Registered Nurse (RN), Registered Midwife (RM), or RNM from a recognized institution.
Assistant Inspector of Fire (AIF): National Diploma (ND), NCE, or Advanced NABTEB.

Category C: Assistant Cadre

Fire Assistant II (FA II): SSCE/NECO/GCE with five credits in not more than two sittings, including English and Maths.
Fire Assistant III (FA III): SSCE/NECO/GCE with three credits in not more than two sittings, including English or Maths.
Appliance Driver (Specialist): Valid driver’s licence plus SSCE.

General Requirements

Be a Nigerian by birth with valid ID (NIN, passport, voter’s card, or driver’s licence).
Be between 18 and 35 years old.
Stand at least 1.65m (male) or 1.60m (female). Some recent adverts list 1.72m/1.65m, so check the current circular before you apply.
Pass a medical fitness test from a government hospital.
Have no criminal record.
Belong to no secret cult or society.
Show no financial embarrassment (no major unpaid debts or judgments).
Male chest measurement: 0.87m minimum.
Computer literacy is a plus.

Documents You Need

Recent passport photograph
Birth certificate or sworn declaration of age
National ID (NIN slip)
First School Leaving Certificate
WAEC, NECO, NABTEB, or GCE result
ND, HND, NCE, or degree certificate (where it applies)
Local government identification letter
Two referees

How to Apply for FFS Recruitment

The Civil Defence, Correctional, Fire and Immigration Services Board (CDCFIB) runs FFS recruitment. Applications are 100% online and free.

Open recruitment.cdcfib.gov.ng or fedfire.gov.ng.
Click Start Application or Register. Use a working email and phone number.
Verify your email, then log in.
Pick the agency (Federal Fire Service) and the cadre that matches your qualification.
Fill in your bio-data, state of origin, LGA, and education history.
Upload your passport photo, certificates, and ID.
Download the referee form. Get two referees to sign it. Keep it safe for screening.
Review every entry, then submit.
Print the acknowledgement slip.

You pay nothing. Anyone asking for money is a scammer. One person, one application. Multiple submissions get you disqualified.

FFS Ranks

Ranks run from entry-level Fire Assistants up to the Controller General. Here is the chain:

Fire Assistant III (FA III)
Fire Assistant II (FA II)
Fire Assistant I (FA I)
Assistant Inspector of Fire (AIF)
Inspector of Fire (IF)
Senior Inspector of Fire (SIF)
Assistant Superintendent of Fire II (ASF II)
Assistant Superintendent of Fire I (ASF I)
Deputy Superintendent of Fire (DSF)
Superintendent of Fire (SF)
Chief Superintendent of Fire (CSF)
Assistant Chief Fire Superintendent (ACFS)
Chief Fire Superintendent (CFS)
Assistant Controller of Fire (ACF)
Deputy Controller of Fire (DCF)
Controller of Fire (CF)
Assistant Controller General (ACG)
Deputy Controller General (DCG)
Controller General (CG)

FFS Salary

FFS uses CONPASS (Consolidated Paramilitary Salary Structure). Your starting pay tracks your entry qualification.

SSCE entry (CONPASS 03–04): around ₦70,000 per month.
ND/NCE entry (CONPASS 06–07): around ₦120,000 per month.
HND/B.Sc entry (CONPASS 08): around ₦230,000 per month.
Inspector to Superintendent grades: ₦100,000–₦160,000.
Senior officers (Director cadre): ₦180,000–₦300,000+.

Officers also get hazard allowance (about 20–30% of basic), housing/rent allowance (around 50% of basic), uniform allowance, and medical cover. Trainees earn a stipend during the academy phase.

Tips for the Screening Test

Bring originals and photocopies of every document on the day.
Train for the physical fitness test: long-distance run, push-ups, sit-ups.
Brush up on current affairs, basic maths, English, and general paper questions.
Arrive early. Latecomers get turned back.
Dress in plain white t-shirt, dark shorts, and trainers unless the invite says otherwise.

Other Federal Jobs to Apply For

FIRS Recruitment
NDIC Recruitment
NIA Recruitment
Nigerian Correctional Service Recruitment
Nigeria Customs Recruitment
Nigeria Police Recruitment
FRSC Recruitment

See more job openings here

Frequently Asked Questions

Is FFS recruitment free?

Yes. The CDCFIB charges no fee. Anyone asking you to pay for a slot, training, or a fast-track is running a scam.

What is the official FFS recruitment portal?

Apply at recruitment.cdcfib.gov.ng or fedfire.gov.ng. Both portals are run by the federal government.

What is the age limit for FFS?

You must be 18 to 35 years old at the date of application. The exact upper limit is on the live circular.

What height do I need to join the Federal Fire Service?

Older circulars listed 1.65m for men and 1.60m for women. Recent ones have moved this to 1.72m and 1.65m. Check the active advert before you apply.

Can SSCE holders apply?

Yes. SSCE/WAEC/NECO holders apply for Fire Assistant II or III. You need credits in English and Maths.

How long does the FFS recruitment process take?

From application to deployment takes six to twelve months. Stages include online application, shortlisting, screening, aptitude test, physical and medical exam, and training at the Federal Fire Service Academy.

How much does a new FFS recruit earn?

SSCE entrants earn around ₦70,000 a month. ND/NCE entrants earn about ₦120,000. HND and degree holders start at roughly ₦230,000. Allowances raise the take-home further.

What documents do I need for FFS screening?

Bring originals and copies of your birth certificate, NIN slip, school certificates, primary leaving certificate, LGA letter, passport photos, and the signed referee form.

How will I know if I am shortlisted?

Log into the same portal you used to apply. Shortlists are also posted on the FFS news page at fedfire.gov.ng/news. Bring the printed acknowledgement slip to screening.

Federal Fire Service Recruitment: How to Apply