Sanwo-Olu sends warning on disasters

Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has stressed the need for stronger regional collaboration in disaster preparedness and response across Nigeria, saying no state can effectively tackle emergencies in isolation.

The governor, represented by his deputy, Dr. Kadri Obafemi Hamzat, made the call at the maiden National State Emergency Management Agencies (SEMA) Conference held on Thursday at the Balmoral Convention Centre, Ikeja.

The event, themed “Strengthening Sub-National Emergency Management for a Resilient Nigeria,” brought together stakeholders from across the country.

Sanwo-Olu highlighted the range of disasters confronting Nigerian states—floods, fires, epidemics, industrial accidents, and the impacts of climate change—emphasizing that they transcend borders and test leadership, governance, and resilience.

“This gathering marks the beginning of a new era: one where State agencies collaborate rather than operate in isolation; where knowledge is shared, lessons are learned, and every citizen, from the North to the South, can have faith in a dependable, coordinated response system,” he said.

The governor also outlined Lagos’ investments in emergency response through the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA), including the establishment of the Lagos Emergency Response Rescue Unit (LRU), upgrades to the LASEMA mobile app and call centre, and capacity-building partnerships. He recalled swift interventions during flash floods in Ikorodu and Ajegunle, and rescue operations during a building collapse in Mushin, as proof of the state’s readiness.

Commissioner for Special Duties and Intergovernmental Relations, Olugbenga Oyerinde, said the conference marked a new chapter in uniting states, federal institutions, private sector leaders, and international partners under a common goal to strengthen resilience against disasters.

Director-General of the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), Zubaida Umar Abubakar, pledged greater collaboration with state agencies, promising to improve early warning systems, data forecasting, grassroots capacity building, and transparency in disaster response.

Guest speaker Dr. Leke Pitan, in his address “From Risk to Readiness: Strengthening Disaster Preparedness at the Sub-National Level,” traced the establishment of the Lagos State Ambulance Service (LASEMBUS) and its integration with other critical agencies.

He noted that emergency hotlines—767 and the national toll-free number 112—have further enhanced response coordination.