Lagos showcases 17-year emergency response record ahead of National Conference
By Adeola Ogunrinde –
The Lagos State Government on Thursday said it had attended to over 13,700 emergencies between 2008 and 2025, highlighting its strength and resilience in disaster management over the past 17 years.
Out of the figure, 2,400 fire outbreaks were recorded and responded to during the period.
Permanent Secretary of LASEMA, Dr. Olufemi Oke-Osanyintolu, disclosed this during a briefing ahead of the National SEMA Conference, being organised by the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA) in partnership with the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA).
The conference, scheduled for October 2–4, 2025, in Lagos, has the theme: “Strengthening Sub-National Emergency Management for a Resilient Nigeria.” It will attract emergency managers, policymakers, development partners, security agencies, private sector leaders, and civil society representatives from across Nigeria’s 36 states and the FCT.
According to Oke-Osanyintolu, the event will feature keynote addresses, technical discussions, cross-sector collaborations, and a live simulation exercise at the Lagos State Emergency and Relief/Rescue Camp, Igando.
He explained that the simulation will demonstrate coordinated multi-agency responses to complex disaster scenarios. “The exercise will demonstrate coordinated multi-agency response to complex disaster scenarios, underscoring Nigeria’s capacity for resilience,” he said.
The Permanent Secretary noted that Lagos had managed diverse emergencies, including fires, road accidents, structural collapses, hazardous material incidents, medical crises, and large-scale disasters.
He added that over 1,450 emergencies were handled in the first eight months of 2025 alone, while more than 3,000 casualties were attended to in 2023. Since 2008, the state has also managed over 4,600 road and motor accidents and 2,400 fire outbreaks.
Oke-Osanyintolu said targeted interventions for children since 2023 have improved survival outcomes, stressing that these achievements reflect Lagos’ effective collaboration with NEMA, its investment in technology and training, and its emphasis on building community resilience.
