The Lagos State Government says it is transitioning from emergency response to mitigation and sustainability in disaster management, in a strategic move to strengthen preparedness, research, and training across the state.
The Permanent Secretary, Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA), Dr. Olufemi Oke-Osanyintolu, stated this on Tuesday in Lagos, while announcing plans for the establishment of an Institute of Disaster Management and Migration Studies in the state.
According to him, the institute, to be established under the administration of Governor Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu, will serve as a regional centre for research, capacity building, and practical training in emergency management.
“Today in Lagos State, we are moving from the response level to the mitigation level. We already have structures and equipment in place, but we must now ensure sustainability,” Oke-Osanyintolu said.
“Under the watch of Governor Sanwo-Olu, we are establishing an Institute of Disaster Management and Migration Studies in partnership with the United Nations, the International Organisation for Migration (IOM), and academic institutions including LASU and UNILAG.”
He explained that the initiative would provide a platform for research and empirical analysis to improve the effectiveness of emergency response systems across Nigeria.
Oke-Osanyintolu noted that Lagos, being both metropolitan and cosmopolitan, required a proactive approach to disaster management rather than reactive measures.
“Our governor has invested billions of naira to modernise our fire service stations, command-and-control centres, and other response structures. Now, we must build the knowledge base to sustain them,” he said.
He added that the proposed institute would not serve Lagos alone but the entire country and West Africa, as part of broader efforts to standardise emergency management training and research.
“We hosted all 36 states in October, and from the communiqué, it was clear that capacity building and research are urgently needed in disaster management,” he said.
“While some states offer postgraduate degrees in the field, they lack practical, hands-on components — which our institute will provide.”
On public preparedness ahead of the Yuletide season, the LASEMA boss appealed to residents to remain calm during emergencies and cooperate with the government by promptly reporting incidents through the state’s toll-free emergency numbers.
“Our emergency numbers, 112 and 767, are for early warning and effective communication,” he said.
“When you see something unusual in your area, say something — call us immediately, and we will be there before any situation escalates.”
He added that the government had recently acquired new firefighting and rescue equipment from the United States, China, India, and Egypt to enhance rapid response capability.
Oke-Osanyintolu urged residents to adhere to safety codes, avoid unsafe storage of inflammable materials, and cooperate with local emergency committees, the Safety Commission, and the state fire service.
“Emergency management is everyone’s business. While the government is doing its part, residents must also take responsibility for their safety,” he said.
“Morning, afternoon, and night, we are ready to manage emergencies within the golden hour.”
He assured residents that the Command and Control Centre had been upgraded, with trained professionals managing calls around the clock to ensure effective and efficient response.
