Lagos launches tech system to speed up emergency response
Lagos State Launches New Digital Emergency Response System
LAGOS — The Lagos State Government has unveiled the Lagos Emergency Responder Management System (LERMS), a digital platform aimed at enhancing coordination among emergency agencies and reducing response times throughout the state.
The system was introduced at a ceremony at the Folarin Coker Staff Clinic Conference Hall in Alausa, Ikeja. Gbenga Oyerinde, the Commissioner for Special Duties and Inter-Governmental Relations, described LERMS as a significant step toward increasing safety and responsiveness in Lagos.
Oyerinde explained that the new platform is designed to address the challenges of managing emergencies in a bustling metropolis where various agencies often operate independently.
“LERMS brings together multiple layers of emergency response into a single, unified ecosystem, ensuring seamless coordination among first responders,” he stated.
Among its features, LERMS integrates key services, such as the EKO HELP distress platform, which allows residents to report emergencies via mobile apps, USSD, SMS, and other channels. The system facilitates communication among agencies, including the Lagos State Ambulance Service (LASAMBUS), the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA), the Fire Service, and various security outfits.
The platform includes a structured control center to manage calls effectively and an alert system to keep residents informed during crises. It also features an Ambulance Services Management System to track hospital bed availability, coordinate ambulance movement, and oversee healthcare personnel in real-time.
“The advantages are clear: faster response times, improved coordination, better resource allocation, and enhanced data intelligence, ultimately reducing loss of lives and property,” Oyerinde added.
Sesan Ogundeko, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry, noted that the launch serves to introduce LERMS to emergency responders before it is fully rolled out to the public. He emphasized that the system addresses one of the biggest challenges faced during emergencies—the accurate identification of locations.
“Your device will automatically transmit your location to responders, eliminating delays caused by trying to describe where an incident is happening,” Ogundeko explained.
He projected that the average response time, currently between 12 and 13 minutes, is expected to decrease to approximately five to seven minutes, aligning Lagos closer to global standards. This improvement is likened to ride-hailing services, where the nearest driver is matched to a request.
The introduction of LERMS is part of the Lagos State Government’s broader initiative to build a smart city by leveraging technology to enhance public services.
Giwa Kennedy, General Manager of the Lagos State Command and Control Centre (LSCCC), characterized LERMS as a substantial advancement in emergency management. He highlighted that the system connects residents, responders, and the control center through multiple channels, including Interactive Voice Response (IVR), SMS, USSD, social media, and the Eko Help app.
Kennedy noted that advanced artificial intelligence supports the system, helping to confirm the authenticity of calls and incidents, thereby reducing false alarms and improving overall efficiency.
“LERMS is not just a system; it is a robust framework that enhances real-time monitoring, communication, and rapid deployment of resources,” he said. Tools for better communication on the move, as well as tracking systems for vehicles and equipment, will further coordinate operations.
Kennedy also mentioned that residents will receive updates during emergencies through the notification system, improving medical response by assisting authorities in monitoring hospital capacity and allocating resources effectively.
Recognizing the system as a transition from traditional emergency management methods, Kennedy emphasized its inclusive and technology-driven approach. He encouraged residents to adopt the system responsibly as awareness campaigns continue ahead of its full implementation.
