The Lagos State Commissioner for the Ministry of Special Duties and Intergovernmental Relations, Olugbenga Oyerinde, has disclosed that Lagos State, under the administration of Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has stepped up emergency management in the state to improve the risks to the lives of citizens, saving over ₦118.32 billion in properties in the last year.

Oyerinde also estimated property loss valued at ₦19.72 billion within the same period, noting that net asset protection value during this period stands at ₦ 98.60 billion

He made this known on Monday, during the Year 2026 Ministerial Press Briefing, to reflect on the remarkable milestones recorded in Governor Sanwo-Olu’s second term in office in the last 365 days.

“Mr. Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has continued to strengthen emergency response operations in the State through strategic investments in the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service. In the last one year, the Service successfully saved assets with an estimated gross value of ₦118.32 billion, while the net value of assets preserved stood at ₦98.60 billion through timely interventions and coordinated emergency response efforts across Lagos,” the commissioner said.

He added that the ministry, within the same period, generated the total sum of ₦11,104,000 in revenue for Lagos State through the issuance of Indigeneship Certificates.

Oyerinde recalled that in 2025, the Lagos State government, through the Ministry of Special Duties and Intergovernmental Relations, launched an automated digital indigeneship certificate system to modernise the process, enhance transparency, and reduce fraudulent claims.

“Lagos State, under the leadership of Sanwo-Olu, aimed at improving emergency response services across the state and invested heavily in the procurement of various firefighting and other emergency services equipment and vehicles to improve real-time response,” he said.

“We also embarked on the construction of a fire station in Oworoshoki, Kosofe Local Government Area; Construction of an access road to the Third Relief Camp, Idera, Ibeju-Lekki; Ongoing construction work at Yaba Fire Station and Construction of Ikotun Fire Station and other parts of the state.

“The Intergovernmental Relations Directorate continued to strengthen collaboration among the Federal Government, State Governments, Local Governments, and various Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) to promote effective governance and service delivery in Lagos State.”

He said, “The Directorate also facilitated partnerships and stakeholder engagements aimed at encouraging the exchange of ideas, resources, and best practices.

“Annual subventions were provided to the National Orientation Agency and the Code of Conduct Bureau to support their statutory responsibilities and public enlightenment programmes,” he emphasised.

The Commissioner added that Sanwo-Olu’s administration has positioned emergency management as a core priority, rather than an afterthought, by transforming the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA) through massive investments in infrastructure, technology, and human capital.

He said, “By treating disaster risk reduction as a ‘no-regret investment’, his administration has aimed to reduce response times and minimise losses to life and property.”

The commissioner also stated that Sanwo-Olu has fostered intense collaboration between LASEMA, the Fire Service, the Ambulance Service, LASBCA, and safety commissions to avoid rivalry and ensure a cohesive, efficient response.

These initiatives have led to a marked increase in efficiency, with LASEMA attending to thousands of cases—including fire incidents, medical emergencies, and traffic accidents—promptly.

The Permanent Secretary of LASEMA, Olufemi Oke-Osanyintolu, said, “9,688 cases handled since 2019 tell a story of a government that plans, equips, and responds. The 1,924 lives rescued in 2025 alone justify every kobo invested. Lagos is safer today because Governor Sanwo-Olu made emergency management a priority, not an afterthought.”

“The Sanwo-Olu administration’s investment in 767/112 command systems, specialised response bases, and community risk reduction has translated to measurable lives saved and assets protected.

“The zero-casualty outcomes in recent high-risk industrial and structural fires validate this model.

“In order to fulfil its mandate in line with Mr. Governor’s ‘THEMES+ Agenda’, the Commission adopts a multi-faceted approach that includes safety inspections, audits, compliance monitoring, and enforcement operations, as well as accident investigations and reporting.

“In addition, the Commission provides safety training, awareness, sensitisation and advocacy to a wide range of stakeholders, residents and socioeconomic sectors, including construction, manufacturing, telecommunications, oil and gas, hospitality, schools and events, amongst others.

“The Commission plays a crucial role in ensuring that safety regulations and standards are met across the state. Given its vital function, the current office in the Alausa Secretariat is not conducive or exemplary of the safety standards that are required to showcase a standard safety environment.”