Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has announced significant improvements to the state’s emergency response system, including the construction of 11 new fire stations, the deployment of 62 modern firefighting vehicles, the reconstruction of the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service headquarters, and the recruitment of 150 new firefighters currently undergoing training at the upgraded Fire Academy.
The governor also disclosed that emergency response agencies in Lagos rescued more than 1,900 people and prevented property losses estimated at N118 billion in 2025.
Sanwo-Olu made the announcement on Monday while declaring open the third edition of the Lagos International Fire Safety Conference in Ikeja, themed “Preventing the Preventable: Strengthening Fire Safety in Buildings and Business Hubs.” He was represented by the Deputy Governor, Dr. Kadri Obafemi Hamzat.
According to the governor, his administration remains focused on strengthening the state’s emergency response capacity while prioritising preventive measures, strict enforcement of fire safety regulations, public sensitisation and collaboration with key stakeholders.
He noted that the state has intensified enforcement through more rigorous inspections and the implementation of the Fire Safety Levy.
“Compliance must go beyond obtaining certificates to ensuring that safety equipment and systems remain fully functional,” Sanwo-Olu said.
The governor explained that the latest investments have increased the number of fire stations across Lagos to 29, with additional stations currently under construction in Yaba, Ikotun and Oworonshoki.
He said the expansion reflects the success of the state’s integrated emergency management strategy.
Sanwo-Olu also unveiled the Fire Marshal Programme, an initiative aimed at training volunteers in homes, schools, markets, offices, places of worship and industrial facilities to identify fire hazards, coordinate emergency evacuations and support professional responders before incidents escalate.
Reaffirming his administration’s commitment to protecting lives and property, the governor pledged continued investment in emergency personnel, equipment and response infrastructure.
He further urged residents, business owners and property developers to adopt a culture of fire prevention, emphasising that preventing disasters is far more effective than responding to their aftermath.Lagos has experienced several major fire outbreaks in recent years, affecting residential buildings, markets, commercial centres and industrial facilities, with incidents often resulting in loss of lives and extensive property damage. In response, the state government has continued to invest in strengthening the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service through the construction of new fire stations, procurement of modern firefighting equipment and the training of personnel to improve emergency response and reduce the impact of fire disasters.
