The Lagos State Government has disclosed a distressing surge in fire-related casualties and property destruction for the year 2025. Official data shows a significant jump from the previous year, highlighting growing concerns over fire safety in Nigeria's most populous metropolis.
Official Figures Reveal a Tragic Increase
According to the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service Year 2025 Activity Report, the state recorded the loss of at least 133 lives to various fire outbreaks. The financial toll was equally staggering, with property valued at a colossal N19.72 billion completely destroyed by flames.
This marks a sharp and tragic increase compared to the 2024 statistics, where 91 lives and N19.52 billion in property were lost. The report was formally presented during the Y2026 Staff Engagement event, themed “People, Preparedness and Service Delivery: Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service,” held on Tuesday at the State Secretariat in Alausa, Ikeja.
Emergency Calls, Rescues, and Prevention Efforts
The fire service remained exceptionally busy throughout the review period. Their data indicates they received a total of 2,617 emergency calls. However, a concerning 645 of these calls were false alarms, which strain critical resources. These calls culminated in responses to 1,685 actual fire incidents across the state.
Amidst the devastation, there were notable successes in rescue operations. Firefighters managed to save 473 victims alive from perilous situations. Their efforts also prevented further financial disaster, successfully safeguarding property worth an estimated N118.32 billion.
On the preventive front, the service was highly active. Their activities included:
- 8,791 facilities inspected for fire safety compliance.
- 7,997 fire safety certificates issued.
- 90 official reports issued during the inspection process.
Operational Challenges Highlighted by Fire Chief
In her address at the event, the Controller General of the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service, Margaret Adeseye, acknowledged the service's achievements. However, she candidly outlined several persistent operational hurdles that hamper optimal performance.
Adeseye specifically stressed the dual challenges of incessant false calls and inadequate water supply at incident scenes during emergency responses. These issues continue to pose significant risks to both the public and the firefighters tasked with protecting them.
The release of this annual report serves as a stark reminder of the ever-present threat of fire and underscores the urgent need for enhanced public safety awareness, improved infrastructure, and continued support for the state's emergency responders.
