The Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA) has called on residents to embrace safer practices and strictly follow existing safety regulations to reduce the growing cases of fire outbreaks across the state.
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Speaking in Lagos on Thursday, the Permanent Secretary of LASEMA, Mr Olufemi Oke-Osanyintolu, emphasized that a significant number of fire incidents could be avoided if residents complied with basic safety measures and institutional guidelines.
He explained that while the agency is well prepared to handle emergencies across Lagos, many disasters still occur as a result of residents’ intentional neglect of established safety rules.
According to him, “It is unfortunate that individuals who should know better willfully ignore standard regulations, which in many cases result in preventable emergencies.”
Oke-Osanyintolu said LASEMA has not been overwhelmed by the volume of emergencies recorded in Lagos, attributing this to proactive planning, sufficient resources and effective coordination under the state government’s leadership.
“When you are prepared and properly resourced, you cannot be overwhelmed. In Lagos State, we are strategically positioned and fully ready to respond to emergencies of any scale,” he said.
He explained that while the agency has embraced modern technology to enhance operations, it has also invested heavily in human capacity to avoid excessive dependence on systems that may fail.
“Technology is critical, but it must be balanced with strong human expertise. At LASEMA, we integrate advanced digital tools with trained personnel. Our equipment is highly computerised, and our emergency contact system has been upgraded to improve response time and efficiency,” he stated.
The permanent secretary also highlighted the importance of political support, noting that Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has demonstrated strong commitment to emergency management.
“There is clear political will. The governor takes ownership of emergency response, incidents are closely monitored, and accountability is enforced. That level of oversight strengthens the system,” he said.
Addressing concerns over differing casualty figures released by emergency agencies, Oke-Osanyintolu clarified that such variations often arise from differences in operational responsibilities.
“Agencies such as the Fire Service and the Lagos State Ambulance Service have specific roles. LASEMA serves as the coordinating body and typically responds to major incidents, while others may handle smaller cases. Casualty figures often reflect only those handled directly by each agency,” he explained.
He described LASEMA as a multidisciplinary organisation comprising medical professionals, engineers, fire experts and building specialists, emphasising that emergency management extends beyond firefighting alone.
Reviewing the agency’s performance in 2025, Oke-Osanyintolu said LASEMA demonstrated high levels of efficiency and effectiveness, comparing favourably with emergency management systems in more developed countries.
On disaster prevention, he said the state prioritises early warning mechanisms, continuous public sensitisation and community-based safety structures, adding that the existing inter-agency command framework helps eliminate duplication and inefficiency during emergency responses.
He also responded to public concerns surrounding a recent controversial incident, noting that emergency management involves actions taken before, during and after disasters.
Oke-Osanyintolu assured Lagos residents that LASEMA would continue to strengthen its operations to protect lives and property, while sustaining public education and advocacy on safety practices aimed at preventing or minimising disasters.
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