Lagos targets rapid response time in emergencies

By Olaitan Idris

The Lagos State Emergency Command and Control Centre says it has strengthened coordination among first responders to achieve rapid response to incidents across the state.

The General Manager of the centre, Mr. Femi Giwa, disclosed this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos.

Giwa said the centre’s goal was to minimise the time between life and death by ensuring response within five to 10 minutes for most incidents.

He said the facility was established in 2010 to provide a unified platform for coordinating emergency management in the state.

“The essence of creating the centre was to have a hub where emergency coordination teams comprising first responders can work together seamlessly. We rely on real-time communication and integrated technology infrastructure to manage what we call the golden hour. Once a distress call is received through the state’s toll-free numbers, it is transmitted to the command and control centre where it is escalated to relevant agencies within minutes,” he said.

He noted that agencies involved in the multi-agency response framework include the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency, Rapid Response Squad, Emergency Medical Services and traffic management authorities.

According to him, disasters are localised and unpredictable, hence, the need for decentralised emergency management.

“For example, in areas like Ojuelegba and along Ikorodu Road, we have strategically located fire stations and response units to ensure swift mobilisation. Our goal is to minimise the time between life and death by ensuring response within five to 10 minutes for most incidents,” he said.

He acknowledged challenges such as traffic gridlock, logistics and adverse weather conditions, which could sometimes affect response time.

The official stressed the importance of public cooperation in achieving effective emergency management.

“Residents must give way to vehicles with sirens and support first responders in carrying out life-saving duties,” he said.

He added that collaboration and centralised coordination remained critical to maintaining a robust safety and security architecture in the state.