Lagos has launched a new campaign to prepare for heavy rains, focusing on flood prevention and faster emergency response.
Officials say teams are on standby, vulnerable areas mapped, and communities trained as part of the state’s flood readiness.
As Lagos State prepares for the peak of the 2025 rainy season, the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA) has reiterated its full readiness to tackle any flood-related emergencies that may arise. This assurance was given by the agency’s Permanent Secretary, Dr. Olufemi Oke-Osanyintolu, during the official launch of the “Flood-Free Lagos Campaign” on Friday.
The campaign, which seeks to sensitize and mobilize residents toward flood prevention, kicked off with visits to key environmental and local government institutions, including the Lagos State Environmental Protection Agency (LASEPA) and the Ministry of Local Government and Community Affairs.
Oke-Osanyintolu disclosed that the initiative was prompted by warnings from the Federal Government, which listed Lagos among the states most vulnerable to heavy flooding this season. He explained that in response to these warnings, the state government has proactively identified and mapped out flood-prone areas such as Eti-Osa, Lekki, Kosofe, Apapa, and Amuwo-Odofin.
“We have taken a thorough approach in assessing all vulnerable zones. Our teams are on standby and our systems are fully operational. Lagos is ready to face any eventuality brought by flooding,” he assured.
The Permanent Secretary also highlighted some of the notable improvements made under the current administration to strengthen the state’s emergency response system. He noted that the Command and Control Centre now functions as a fully autonomous agency under the direction of a dedicated General Manager, ensuring faster coordination during crisis situations. The emergency contact number 112, he added, remains the go-to line for urgent assistance.
“In the past months, we’ve conducted extensive simulations and risk assessments with all emergency stakeholders. These drills help us refine our response strategies and ensure all partners from first responders to community volunteers know their roles,” Oke-Osanyintolu said.
To better prepare communities, he revealed that the state has established relief camps across the three senatorial districts. Additionally, local response teams have been trained and equipped to manage disasters at the grassroots level, where the impact of flooding is often most severe.
“Our focus is on resilience. The community is our first line of defense, and we are empowering them accordingly,” he added.
Commending the Ministry of Environment, the LASEMA boss acknowledged the ministry’s continued efforts in keeping the state’s drainage systems clear and free of obstructions. He noted that proactive desilting of gutters, strict enforcement of environmental regulations, and removal of structures blocking water channels have significantly reduced the risk of urban flooding.
Oke-Osanyintolu attributed the agency’s growing success in managing disasters to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s leadership and unwavering support. He said the governor’s investment in modern equipment, emergency tools, and inter-agency collaboration has led to a noticeable drop in disaster-related fatalities and injuries.
He also urged Lagosians to do their part by paying taxes and complying with environmental guidelines. “Emergency response is a shared responsibility. The government cannot do it alone,” he emphasized.
During the event, Dr. Tunde Ajayi, General Manager of LASEPA, commended LASEMA’s efforts and promised continued collaboration. He described the partnership as crucial in achieving faster and more coordinated responses to environmental and health-related emergencies.
In a related development, LASEMA hosted a delegation from the Ondo State Emergency Management Agency led by Mr. Wellington Adebawo, who serves as Special Adviser to the Ondo State Governor on Emergency Response. The visit was aimed at studying LASEMA’s operational framework and adapting similar strategies in Ondo State.
Oke-Osanyintolu welcomed the delegation warmly and expressed LASEMA’s willingness to share its experiences and best practices with other states in the spirit of regional collaboration and national resilience.
