In a decisive move to enhance community-level resilience, the Lagos State Government has officially revived its Local Emergency Management Committees (LEMCs). This initiative aims to fortify disaster and emergency response capabilities directly at the grassroots across all local councils.
Stakeholders Convene to Sharpen Response Strategy
The revitalisation was formalised during a crucial stakeholders' meeting convened by the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA). The gathering, held on 20 December 2025, brought together key figures, including the vice chairmen of the state's local councils, who by law also serve as chairmen of the LEMCs.
Dr. Olufemi Oke-Osanyintolu, the Permanent Secretary of LASEMA, led the discussions. He emphasised that the meeting's core objective was to ensure all local emergency managers have a crystal-clear understanding of their roles. The goal is to foster a collaborative framework for effectively protecting lives and property within their jurisdictions.
Uniform Standards and Festive Season Preparedness
Oke-Osanyintolu detailed the agency's comprehensive approach, which involves onboarding and retraining local emergency officials. This process is designed to establish and maintain uniform standards of emergency response throughout every local government area in Lagos.
With the Christmas and New Year festivities approaching, LASEMA has intensified its preparedness campaigns. The Permanent Secretary assured residents of the state's commitment to ensuring an emergency-free celebration. As a practical demonstration of readiness, simulation exercises are scheduled for Lagos Island, Onigbongbo, and Alimosho.
"These drills are meant to showcase our state of readiness and reassure every Lagosian that we are prepared for any eventuality," Oke-Osanyintolu stated. He also stressed that emergency management is a shared responsibility, urging all residents to act responsibly and cooperate with authorities.
Local Leaders Endorse Grassroots-First Approach
Speaking at the meeting, Mrs. Oluwatoyin Akerele, the Vice Chairman of Ifako-Ijaiye Local Council and Chairman of Vice Chairmen in Lagos State, praised the engagement as highly timely. She underscored that effective emergency response invariably begins at the grassroots level.
Akerele reaffirmed the commitment of all vice chairmen, noting that in line with the law establishing LASEMA, they are fully prepared to serve as chairmen of emergency management at the local level. This alignment of local governance with emergency protocols is seen as a critical step in building a more resilient Lagos.
