Lagos: The Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA) has called on residents of the state to adopt positive attitudinal changes to reduce the incidence of fire outbreaks. The Permanent Secretary of LASEMA, Dr. Olufemi Oke-Osanyintolu, made the call in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Thursday in Lagos.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, Oke-Osanyintolu emphasized that the agency is well equipped to tackle emergency response challenges across the state, but noted that fire incidents could be avoided or significantly reduced if residents adhered to institutional requirements and safety regulations. He expressed concern that despite available knowledge, some individuals continue to disregard standard regulations, leading to preventable disasters.
The permanent secretary highlighted that the agency has never been overwhelmed by emergencies due to its strong preparedness, adequate resources, and effective coordination under the state government. He stated, “We are not overwhelmed. When you are well prepared and you have the necessary resources, you cannot be overwhelmed. In Lagos State, we are well positioned and well prepared for any form of emergency.”
Oke-Osanyintolu further explained that LASEMA has significantly leveraged technology while strengthening human capacity to avoid overreliance on systems that could potentially fail. He underscored the importance of combining advanced technology with a robust human capacity, ensuring that their operations remain efficient and effective.
He attributed Lagos’ emergency response success to strong political will, citing Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu as the ‘Chief Incident Commander’ who has taken ownership of emergency management. Oke-Osanyintolu noted that the clear chain of command and inter-agency cooperation prevent inefficiency and ensure effective response during incidents.
Addressing apparent discrepancies in casualty figures released by different emergency agencies, he clarified that these differences often stem from varying mandates and operational scopes. LASEMA, as the umbrella coordinating agency, adopts a holistic approach, capturing a comprehensive view of casualties, including those rescued, injured, and hospitalized.
Reviewing the agency’s performance in 2025, Oke-Osanyintolu expressed confidence in LASEMA’s effectiveness and efficiency, even when compared with emergency management systems in developed countries. He also highlighted the state’s emphasis on early warning systems, advocacy, and community-based structures to prevent disasters.
He reassured Lagos residents of the agency’s commitment to improving operations and safeguarding lives and property across the state. The agency remains dedicated to sustained sensitisation and advocacy on safety measures to prevent or mitigate disasters.