The Lagos State Government has intensified efforts to strengthen coordination among emergency response agencies through the introduction of the Lagos Emergency Responder Management System (LERMS), a technology-driven platform designed to improve emergency operations across the state.
The initiative was unveiled during a stakeholders’ engagement and technical training held on Tuesday at the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry in Ikeja.
The maiden conference brought together representatives of emergency response agencies and key stakeholders to discuss strategies for improving incident reporting, responder deployment, and real-time monitoring in Lagos.
Speaking at the event, Commissioner for Special Duties and Inter-Governmental Relations, Gbenga Oyerinde, said the programme was aimed at strengthening collaboration among emergency management agencies in the state.
According to him, emergency response in a megacity like Lagos requires integrated communication systems, coordinated operations, and real-time information sharing among agencies.
He explained that the engagement would help emergency responders, security agencies, traffic managers, healthcare workers, fire services, and environmental agencies improve operational synergy while addressing gaps in emergency management.
Oyerinde noted that Lagos continues to face several urban challenges, including flooding, fire outbreaks, road accidents, building collapses, and civil disturbances. He stressed that collaboration among agencies remains critical to reducing response time and protecting lives and property.
He described LERMS as a centralised incident management and dispatch platform developed to improve emergency call handling, incident logging, responder tracking, communication, and accountability.
“The effective utilisation of LERMS will significantly reduce response time, improve operational visibility, minimise duplication of response efforts, and strengthen decision-support capabilities during critical incidents,” he said.
The commissioner added that the Lagos State Government remains committed to investing in emergency management infrastructure, technology, capacity building, and inter-agency coordination to improve public safety across the state.
Also speaking, the General Manager of the Lagos State Command and Control Centre, Femi Giwa, described the programme as a major step toward building a more integrated emergency response system in Lagos.
Giwa said the training would help harmonise response protocols, improve inter-agency cooperation, and enhance emergency coordination through technology-driven solutions.
He added that LERMS represents a major advancement in incident reporting, responder deployment, dispatch coordination, and real-time operational monitoring.
The Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Special Duties and Intergovernmental Relations, Sesan Ogundeko, said the gathering reflected the principle of “one government” in addressing emergencies across the state.
According to him, the interactive session would give agencies the opportunity to reassess their responsibilities and establish stronger response protocols aimed at reducing lapses during emergencies.
