The Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA), in partnership with the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), has organised a press briefing and flood preparedness sensitisation programme aimed at reducing disaster risks and improving early warning systems across Lagos State.
The event, which took place at the Folarin Coker Hall, Secretariat, Alausa, Ikeja, brought together local government officials, community leaders, market associations, transport unions, and civil society groups to assess evacuation procedures, flood-prone areas, and community response strategies ahead of the 2026 rainy season.
Speaking during the briefing, the Permanent Secretary of LASEMA, Dr. Olufemi Damilola Oke-Osanyintolu, said Lagos is adopting a more proactive and preventive strategy in handling disasters.
According to him, Lagos, as a coastal megacity with more than 22 million residents and vast waterways, remains vulnerable to frequent flooding despite its economic importance. He revealed that over 1,100 emergency incidents were recorded in 2025, with many linked to flooding.
He stressed that the state’s priority for 2026 is focused on prevention, early warning systems, and strengthening preparedness at the community level, noting that emergency response alone is no longer enough.
Also speaking, the South-West Coordinator of NEMA, Mr. Akinyode Saheed, highlighted the need for stronger collaboration between federal and state authorities in disaster management.
He said NEMA remains committed to supporting Lagos State through technical assistance, early warning information, and relief support when necessary. He added that the joint emergency operations framework between both agencies ensures swift federal intervention whenever incidents exceed the state’s response capacity.
Mr. Akinyode noted that disaster preparedness requires collective responsibility and described the engagement as a positive example of effective inter-agency collaboration.
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