The Lagos State Government has disclosed that fire incidents across the state in 2024 led to the destruction of properties valued at approximately ₦19.52 billion. This was revealed by the Commissioner for Special Duties and Inter-Governmental Relations, Olugbenga Oyerinde, on Wednesday during a ministerial press briefing held in commemoration of the second anniversary of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s second term.
Oyerinde said that 91 people were killed and 450 people were saved by emergency personnel from fire accidents. He went on to say that timely actions prevented the destruction of property worth over ₦117.12 billion.
Highlighting the state’s efforts to improve emergency preparedness and disaster response, Oyerinde said the government had achieved major milestones in strengthening inter-agency collaboration and boosting frontline capacity.
“In a bid to enhance security around Lagos border communities, we have integrated the Nigerian Forest Security Service into the state’s security framework and recruited 100 security personnel to safeguard commuters,” he said.
Oyerinde also disclosed that the state government has doubled the allowances of security operatives and distributed 320 essential security tools—such as batons, torchlights, bulletproof vests, gloves, and raincoats—to boost operational readiness.
On fire safety infrastructure, he announced the commissioning of two new fire stations in Ijegun-Egba and Ijede, with additional stations under construction in Kosofe, Yaba, Ikotun, and other locations. To support firefighting operations, industrial-grade boreholes have been installed at key fire stations in Alausa, Isolo, Ebute-Elefun, Ajegunle, and Ogombo to ensure access to water during emergencies.
Oyerinde further stated that between January 2024 and March 2025, the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA) responded to 2,022 emergency incidents across the state.
During the review period, LASEMA’s Pre-Hospital Care Unit successfully rescued and treated 4,847 accident victims in addition to handling 707 medical cases.
