The Lagos State Government has announced its readiness to host the maiden edition of the State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) Conference 2025 with the theme “Strengthening Sub-National Emergency Management for a Resilient Nigeria.”

Speaking at a press briefing on Thursday at the Bagauda Kaltho Press Centre, Alausa, Ikeja, the Permanent Secretary of the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA), Dr. Olufemi Oke-Osanyintolu, disclosed that the conference is being organized in partnership with the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA).

According to him, the three-day event scheduled for Thursday, October 2 to Saturday, October 4 will attract emergency managers, policymakers, development partners, security institutions, private sector leaders, and civil society representatives from all 36 states of the federation and the Federal Capital Territory.

Dr. Oke-Osanyintolu explained that Lagos was chosen as the host due to its pioneering role and track record in emergency and disaster management, which other states are eager to emulate.

The opening ceremony and high-level dialogue are expected to take place at the Balmoral Convention Centre, Maryland, Lagos, while the conference will feature keynote addresses, technical sessions, and cross-sector collaboration. A live simulation exercise is also planned at the Lagos State Emergency and Relief/Rescue Camp, Igando, to showcase coordinated multi-agency responses to complex disaster scenarios.

Highlighting LASEMA’s achievements, the Permanent Secretary revealed that the agency has managed over 13,700 incidents between 2008 and 2025, including fires, road accidents, structural collapses, hazardous material incidents, medical emergencies, and large-scale disasters.

“In just the first eight months of 2025 alone, more than 1,450 emergencies have been managed,” he said. “Over 3,000 casualties were attended to in 2023, while since 2008, the agency has responded to more than 4,600 road and motor accidents as well as 2,400 fire outbreaks. Targeted interventions for children since 2023 have also improved survival outcomes.”

Oke-Osanyintolu stressed that Lagos continues to lead in sub-national emergency management through its collaboration with NEMA, adoption of technology, specialized training, and strong focus on community resilience.