Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has called for stronger regional collaboration among states in the South-West and beyond to boost emergency response systems and disaster management capabilities.
Speaking at a high-level stakeholders’ forum on emergency preparedness held in Lagos on Friday, the governor emphasized that emergencies, ranging from flooding and building collapses to fire outbreaks and public health crises, have become increasingly complex and require coordinated strategies rather than isolated responses.
Sanwo-Olu noted that Lagos, being Nigeria’s most populous and commercially active state, remains vulnerable to diverse emergencies that demand swift interventions. He stressed that without support from neighbouring states and regional partners, the strain on the state’s resources could undermine effective response.
>Emergencies do not recognize borders. A fire outbreak, flooding or even public health crises can quickly spread beyond one state’s jurisdiction. This is why we must collaborate regionally, share resources, expertise and training, and build a more resilient network of responders,” the governor said.
He added that Lagos has invested significantly in modern equipment, training of emergency personnel, and technology-driven monitoring systems, but called on regional governments and federal agencies to integrate efforts for maximum impact.
The Director-General of the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA), Dr. Olufemi Oke-Osanyintolu, highlighted the importance of regional early warning systems, cross-border drills, and harmonized communication strategies to reduce response time during emergencies.
Stakeholders at the forum, including representatives from Ogun, Oyo, Ondo, and Ekiti states, pledged their readiness to deepen inter-state cooperation, noting that disasters in Lagos often have ripple effects on the region.
Sanwo-Olu further urged community leaders, private organizations, and civil society groups to complement government efforts by investing in preventive measures, awareness campaigns, and volunteer training.
He concluded by reiterating his administration’s commitment to making Lagos a model of resilience and preparedness, while calling on the federal government to strengthen regional disaster management frameworks.
