The Federal Fire Service (FFS) is one of Nigeria’s most important paramilitary agencies responsible for firefighting, fire prevention, and emergency rescue operations nationwide. Every recruitment year, thousands of Nigerians apply for positions within the service, making the recruitment process highly competitive.
If you are planning to apply, the first thing you must understand is how to use the Federal Fire Service recruitment portal and how to submit a successful application.
This comprehensive guide will show you:
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The correct recruitment portal and how to access it.
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Requirements for different cadres and ranks.
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Step-by-step instructions for completing the online application.
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Tips to avoid common mistakes that disqualify applicants.
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What happens after applying, including shortlisting, screening, and training.
By the end of this article, you will know exactly how to apply for the Federal Fire Service recruitment successfully and increase your chances of being shortlisted.
Overview of Federal Fire Service Recruitment
The Federal Fire Service recruitment is conducted periodically, depending on government approvals and manpower needs. Recruitment is announced publicly, and interested Nigerians are invited to apply through the official online portal.
The FFS recruits for different categories:
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Fire Assistant Cadre (FA): Entry-level positions requiring basic qualifications.
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Inspector Cadre (FI): Mid-level positions for candidates with higher qualifications.
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Officer Cadre (FSO): Officer positions for candidates with degrees and leadership potential.
Each category has its own requirements, training duration, and eventual salary structure.
Official Federal Fire Service Recruitment Portal
The only official Federal Fire Service recruitment portal is:
This portal is managed by the Civil Defence, Correctional, Fire and Immigration Services Board (CDCFIB), the agency responsible for recruitment into these services.
Important:
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Do not apply through third-party websites.
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The portal is only open during official recruitment exercises.
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Application is free of charge.
Federal Fire Service Recruitment Requirements in Nigeria
Before applying on the recruitment portal, you must ensure you meet the eligibility requirements. The general requirements include:
1. Nationality
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Applicants must be Nigerian citizens by birth.
2. Age Requirements
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Must be between 18 and 30 years old.
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For officer cadre, the maximum age may be 35 years.
3. Educational Qualifications
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Fire Assistant Cadre: Minimum of O’Level (WAEC, NECO, or NABTEB) with at least five credits, including English and Mathematics.
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Inspector Cadre: National Diploma (ND), NCE, or equivalent qualification.
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Officer Cadre: Bachelor’s degree (BSc, BA, HND) from a recognized institution.
4. Physical Requirements
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Height: At least 1.65m (male) and 1.60m (female).
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Chest measurement (male only): At least 0.87m.
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Must be physically and mentally fit.
5. Character
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Must be of good character and free from any criminal conviction.
6. Documents Required
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Recent passport photograph.
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Educational certificates.
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Birth certificate or age declaration.
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Certificate of state of origin.
Summary Table: Federal Fire Service Recruitment Requirements
Requirement | Details |
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Nationality | Nigerian by birth |
Age | 18–30 years (up to 35 for some officer roles) |
Height | 1.65m (male), 1.60m (female) |
Educational Level | O’Level, ND, NCE, HND, or Bachelor’s Degree depending on cadre |
Physical Fitness | Must be medically and physically fit |
Criminal Record | Must be free from criminal convictions |
Documents | Passport, certificates, birth and state of origin documents |
How to Apply on the Federal Fire Service Recruitment Portal
Follow these step-by-step instructions to apply successfully:
Step 1: Visit the Official Recruitment Portal
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Go to https://cdcfib.career using a reliable browser.
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Make sure you have a stable internet connection.
Step 2: Create an Account
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Click on the "Apply" or "Create Account" button.
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Provide your full name, email address, phone number, and password.
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Confirm your account by checking your email for a verification link.
Step 3: Select Your Desired Cadre
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Choose the position you are eligible for: Fire Assistant, Inspector, or Officer.
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Read the job description and requirements carefully.
Step 4: Complete the Online Form
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Enter your personal details, educational qualifications, and work experience.
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Upload all required documents in the specified formats (usually PDF or JPEG).
Step 5: Submit and Print Acknowledgment Slip
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Review all information before submission.
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Submit your application and print the acknowledgment slip.
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Keep this slip safe; you will need it for screening.
Tips to Apply Successfully
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Apply early: The portal often experiences heavy traffic close to the deadline.
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Use a strong internet connection: This prevents errors during submission.
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Prepare your documents in advance: Ensure they meet the portal’s specifications.
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Double-check your details: Mistakes in name, date of birth, or qualifications can disqualify you.
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Follow instructions carefully: Failure to follow instructions is a common reason for disqualification.
What Happens After Application?
After submitting your application, the recruitment process continues as follows:
1. Shortlisting
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The FFS will release a list of candidates shortlisted for screening.
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Check the portal and your email regularly for updates.
2. Screening Exercise
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Shortlisted candidates attend a physical and credential screening.
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You must present your original documents and acknowledgment slip.
3. Aptitude Test
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A written aptitude test may be conducted for certain cadres.
4. Medical Examination
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All candidates must pass a medical fitness test.
5. Final Selection and Training
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Successful candidates are invited to the training school.
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After training, recruits are deployed to various offices nationwide.
Federal Fire Service Recruitment Ranks and Cadres
Understanding the rank you are applying for helps you know your career path.
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Fire Assistant Cadre (FA): FAIII, FAII, FAI (entry-level).
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Inspector Cadre: Fire Inspector, Senior Fire Inspector.
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Officer Cadre: Assistant Superintendent, Deputy Superintendent, Superintendent, etc.
Common Mistakes Applicants Make (And How to Avoid Them)
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Applying for the wrong cadre: Only apply for positions you qualify for.
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Uploading blurry documents: Always upload clear and legible documents.
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Using multiple applications: Submitting more than one application can lead to disqualification.
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Ignoring deadlines: Late applications are not accepted.
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Failing to check the portal for updates: Many applicants miss screening dates because they don’t check regularly.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is the official Federal Fire Service recruitment portal?
The official portal is https://cdcfib.career.
2. Is the Federal Fire Service recruitment form free?
Yes. The application is completely free of charge.
3. Can I apply with only WAEC or NECO?
Yes. If you are applying for the Fire Assistant Cadre, O’Level results are accepted.
4. What is the age limit for FFS recruitment?
You must be between 18 and 30 years old (up to 35 years for some officer roles).
5. Will I write an exam after applying?
Yes. Shortlisted candidates may write an aptitude test before final selection.
6. How will I know if I am shortlisted?
Shortlisted candidates will be published on the portal and contacted via email or SMS.
7. Where will the screening take place?
Screening is conducted in designated centres across the 36 states and FCT.
8. What happens if I miss the screening date?
You may be automatically disqualified.
9. Can I edit my application after submission?
No. You must ensure all information is correct before submitting.
10. How long does the recruitment process take?
It can take several months from application to final training, depending on government approvals.
Conclusion
The Federal Fire Service recruitment portal is the only place where you can submit your application for the latest recruitment exercise. Understanding how the portal works, meeting all requirements, and following the correct steps will greatly improve your chances of being shortlisted.
Next step:
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Regularly visit https://cdcfib.career during recruitment periods.
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Prepare your documents and qualifications in advance.
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Follow the tips in this article to avoid disqualification.
A career in the Federal Fire Service is rewarding and offers job security, but it starts with a successful application. If you are serious about joining, act early and follow the official process carefully.