Over 13,700 emergencies managed as Lagos set to hosts SEMA Conference

The Lagos State Government has declared its preparedness to host the maiden State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) Conference 2025, scheduled to hold from Thursday, October 2, to Saturday, October 4, in Lagos.

Themed “Strengthening Sub-National Emergency Management for a Resilient Nigeria,” the conference is being organised by the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA) in collaboration with the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA).

It will convene emergency managers, policymakers, development partners, security institutions, private sector leaders and civil society organisations from all 36 states of the federation and the Federal Capital Territory.

Addressing journalists at the Bagauda Kaltho Press Centre in Alausa, Ikeja, the Permanent Secretary of LASEMA, Dr. Olufemi Oke-Osanyintolu, said Lagos was chosen to host the conference because of its proven leadership and success in managing emergencies and disasters.

He explained that the event would set a new direction for strengthening coordination between national and sub-national actors in disaster management.

According to him, the opening ceremony and high-level dialogue will hold at the Balmoral Convention Centre, Maryland, Lagos, featuring keynote speeches, technical sessions and cross-sector policy engagements.

The final two days of the programme will involve a live simulation exercise at the Lagos State Emergency and Relief/Rescue Camp, Igando, where multiple agencies will demonstrate a coordinated response to complex disaster scenarios.

Dr. Oke-Osanyintolu underscored Lagos’ credentials in emergency management, noting that the state has successfully handled over 13,700 incidents between 2008 and 2025.

These, he said, include road crashes, fires, structural collapses, hazardous material incidents, medical emergencies and large-scale disasters.

He revealed that more than 1,450 emergencies were managed in just the first eight months of 2025, while over 3,000 casualties were attended to in 2023 alone and that since its establishment, LASEMA has responded to more than 4,600 road accidents and 2,400 fire outbreaks.

He further highlighted targeted interventions for children introduced since 2023, which have improved survival outcomes, stressing that Lagos’ achievements reflect the impact of its sustained collaboration with NEMA, the adoption of technology-driven solutions, advanced training for responders and deliberate efforts to strengthen community resilience.

“Lagos continues to lead the way in sub-national emergency management. This conference is an opportunity to showcase that progress, learn from other states, and develop frameworks that will ensure Nigeria as a whole is better prepared for the emergencies of the future,” Oke-Osanyintolu said.