The Lagos State Government has announced its readiness to host the maiden State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) Conference 2025, scheduled to take place from Thursday, October 2, to Saturday, October 4, 2025.
Themed “Strengthening Sub-National Emergency Management for a Resilient Nigeria”, the conference will gather emergency managers, policymakers, security institutions, development partners, private sector leaders, and civil society representatives from all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory.
Speaking during a press briefing at the Kaltho Bagauda Press Centre in Alausa, Ikeja, the Permanent Secretary of the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA), Dr. Olufemi Oke-Osanyintolu, explained that Lagos was chosen due to its proven track record in emergency and disaster management.
“The opening ceremony and high-level dialogue will hold at the Balmoral Convention Centre, Maryland, Lagos. Sessions will feature keynote addresses, technical discussions, and cross-sector collaboration,” he said.
A live simulation exercise will also be conducted at the Lagos State Emergency and Relief/Rescue Camp, Igando, to demonstrate a coordinated multi-agency response to complex disaster scenarios.
Highlighting LASEMA’s achievements, Oke-Osanyintolu revealed that the agency had managed over 13,700 incidents between 2008 and 2025, including fires, road accidents, structural collapses, and hazardous material emergencies. In just the first eight months of 2025, more than 1,450 emergencies were handled.
He further disclosed that over 3,000 casualties were attended to in 2023 alone, while the agency has responded to more than 4,600 road and motor accidents and 2,400 fire outbreaks since 2008. Targeted interventions, particularly for children since 2023, have significantly improved survival outcomes.
“These achievements highlight the effectiveness of Lagos’ collaboration with NEMA, the use of technology and training, and a strong emphasis on community resilience,” he added.
The Lagos State Government affirmed that the conference would set a new benchmark for sub-national emergency management across Nigeria.
