The Lagos State Government has reported a total property loss valued at N19.52 billion due to fire incidents across the state in 2024, highlighting the significant toll of emergencies on infrastructure and lives.
This was disclosed by the Commissioner for Special Duties and Intergovernmental Relations, Mr Olugbenga Oyerinde, during a ministerial press briefing on Wednesday, as part of activities marking the second anniversary of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s second term in office.
According to Oyerinde, while 91 lives were lost to various fire incidents during the period under review, 450 individuals were rescued alive, thanks to the coordinated efforts of the state’s emergency responders. He further revealed that property worth N117.12 billion was successfully salvaged through timely intervention.
The commissioner underscored the state’s achievements in enhancing emergency preparedness and disaster response, crediting strategic collaboration with federal agencies and continuous investment in infrastructure and training.
As part of broader efforts to strengthen public safety, Oyerinde announced that 100 security personnel have been newly recruited and deployed to border communities to enhance surveillance and safeguard commuters. He added that the government has also doubled the allowances of security operatives to improve morale and operational effectiveness.
The ministry distributed 320 security kits, including batons, torches, bulletproof vests, gloves, and raincoats, while reinforcing fire response capacity with the commissioning of two new fire stations in Ijegun-Egba and Ijede.
He noted that additional fire stations are under construction in Kosofe, Yaba, Ikotun, and other locations to close response gaps across the metropolis.
In a bid to boost water availability for firefighting operations, industrial boreholes were installed at key fire stations in Alausa, Isolo, Ebute-Elefun, Ajegunle, and Ogombo. This initiative, he said, forms part of a long-term strategy to enhance Lagos’ fire suppression capabilities.
Oyerinde revealed that from January 2024 to March 2025, the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency, LASEMA, responded to 2,022 emergency situations. He added that LASEMA’s Pre-Hospital Care Unit handled 707 medical cases and successfully rescued and treated 4,847 accident victims within the same period.
