Lagos expands fire response network with 11 new stations, 62 trucks
Lagos State Expands Emergency Response Infrastructure
LAGOS, Nigeria — Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu announced significant enhancements to the state’s emergency response capabilities, including the establishment of 11 new fire stations and the deployment of 62 advanced firefighting vehicles. These updates also include the reconstruction of the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service headquarters and the hiring of 150 additional firefighters currently undergoing training at the newly upgraded Fire Academy.
Speaking at the opening of the third Lagos International Fire Safety Conference in Ikeja on Monday, Sanwo-Olu revealed that emergency response agencies have successfully rescued over 1,900 individuals and averted property losses estimated at 118 billion naira in 2025. The governor was represented at the event by Deputy Governor Dr. Kadri Obafemi Hamzat.
Sanwo-Olu underscored his administration’s commitment to bolstering emergency response efforts, emphasizing the importance of preventive measures, regulatory enforcement, public awareness campaigns, and collaboration with relevant stakeholders.
“The compliance must go beyond obtaining certificates to ensuring that safety equipment and systems remain fully functional,” Sanwo-Olu stated, noting the increase in fire safety inspections and the implementation of the Fire Safety Levy.
With the latest measures, Lagos now boasts a total of 29 fire stations, with additional facilities under construction in Yaba, Ikotun, and Oworonshoki. The governor described these expansions as a testament to the effectiveness of the state’s integrated emergency management framework.
In a bid to improve community safety, Sanwo-Olu announced the introduction of the Fire Marshal Programme. This initiative aims to train volunteers in various sectors, including homes, schools, markets, and industrial facilities, to identify fire hazards early, assist with emergency evacuations, and coordinate with professional responders before incidents escalate.
Reaffirming his administration’s dedication to protecting lives and property, Sanwo-Olu pledged ongoing investments in personnel, equipment, and emergency response systems. He also urged property developers, business owners, and residents to adopt a proactive approach to fire prevention, highlighting that preventive measures are far more effective than addressing the aftermath of disasters.
