The Lagos State Emergency Management Agency has reiterated that it is ready to handle any incident, including flooding, in the state.
This was announced on Friday during the 2025 Flood-Free Lagos Campaign kickoff by Dr. Olufemi Oke-Osanyintolu, the Permanent Secretary of LASEMA.
Strategic visits to the Lagos State Environmental Protection Agency and the Ministry of Local Government and Community Affairs were part of the campaign, according to the News Agency of Nigeria.
“The campaign was a reaction to early warnings from the Federal Government that Lagos was one of the states most vulnerable to flooding during the rainy season,” he said.
“We have mapped out all vulnerable areas, including Eti-Osa, Kosofe, Lekki, Apapa and Amuwo-Odofin.
“We are well prepared for any form of eventuality,” Oke-Osanyintolu said.
The permanent secretary highlighted significant improvements in the state’s emergency preparedness and infrastructure.
“Under the leadership of Mr Governor, we have established an efficient and effective response system.
“Our Command and Control Centre now operates as a full-fledged agency, headed by a General Manager.
“The state emergency number remains 112, ensuring swift communication during emergencies,” he said.
He claims that the agency has performed risk studies to find and eliminate any hotspots and that simulation exercises have been done with all significant emergency response stakeholders.
According to him, Lagos State has established three relief camps around the senatorial districts, and grassroots responders have received the necessary training and authority to act quickly in case of an emergency.
“We aim to build a resilient community. Disaster impact is most significant at the grassroots and our preparedness reflects that understanding,” he said.
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Oke-Osanyintolu also praised the Ministry of Environment for its proactive efforts in clearing drainages, desilting gutters and preventing construction that blocks water flow.
“All man-made causes of flooding are being addressed. Environmental laws are being enforced and structures that obstruct drainage systems are being removed,” he added.
He attributed the state’s improved disaster response outcomes, including reduced mortality and morbidity rates, to the governor’s political will and strategic investments in emergency equipment and technology.
“We thank Mr Governor for his commitment to the safety of lives and property, which remains a core pillar of his administration,” he noted.
The head of LASEMA emphasised that disaster management is a shared duty and urged citizens to support the state’s efforts by paying taxes on a regular basis.
Additionally, he praised LASEPA’s leadership, characterising Dr. Tunde Ajayi, the agency’s general manager, as a competent professional who adds value to interagency collaboration with his expertise in health and disaster management.
During his speech, Ajayi greeted the LASEMA staff and promised to keep working together to provide efficient disaster response.
In the meantime, LASEMA had a courtesy call from a delegation of the Ondo State Emergency Management Agency, which was led by Mr. Wellington Adebawo, Special Adviser to the Ondo State Governor on Emergency Response.
Adebawo clarified that the purpose of the tour was to get knowledge about LASEMA’s operating methodology.
In response, Oke-Osanyintolu assured the delegation of LASEMA’s openness to share both strengths and lessons learnt to help improve emergency preparedness across states.
