Lagos Saved N118.32 bn but Lost N19.72 bn to Fire Incidents in 2025

The Lagos State Government announced on Monday that emergency response operations carried out across the state in 2025 helped safeguard properties worth N118.32 billion from fire incidents, while assets estimated at N19.72 billion were destroyed by various fire outbreaks during the same period.

The disclosure was made by the Commissioner for Special Duties and Inter‑Governmental Relations, Mr Olugbenga Oyerinde, during the 2026 Ministerial Press Briefing held at the Bagauda Kaltho Press Centre in Alausa, Ikeja.

Oyerinde, while presenting the performance report of agencies under the ministry, said the figures demonstrate the increasing effectiveness of the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service and other emergency agencies in tackling fire disasters and reducing economic losses.

He noted that the total value of properties preserved during emergency operations exceeded the estimated losses by more than sixfold, resulting in a net protection value of about N98.60 billion.

He explained that March 2025 recorded the highest value of properties saved at N12.60 billion, while August had the lowest figure at N6.78 billion, which he linked to fewer emergency incidents during the peak of the rainy season.

The commissioner added that March also witnessed the highest monthly losses from fire outbreaks at N2.10 billion, whereas August recorded the least losses at N1.13 billion.

Providing a breakdown of emergency activities, Oyerinde disclosed that the state handled 1,972 emergency calls relating to fire and rescue operations between January and December 2025, excluding prank or false calls.

He said fire‑related incidents accounted for 1,685 of the calls, representing the largest category of emergencies attended to during the year.

The commissioner further stated that emergency responders handled 139 rescue operations, 129 salvage incidents, 13 building collapse cases, three partial building collapse incidents and three explosion cases within the review period.

According to him, March and April recorded the highest level of emergency activities with 210 and 197 incidents respectively, mainly due to dry weather conditions and increased risk of fire outbreaks.

He noted that emergency incidents dropped significantly in August with 113 reported cases before increasing again in December to 189 incidents as a result of festive season activities, heavier traffic movement and increased commercial operations.

On casualties and rescue efforts, Oyerinde disclosed that 473 victims were rescued alive during emergency operations in 2025, while 133 persons were recovered dead from various incidents across the state.

He stressed that the state government had intensified preventive measures aimed at reducing fire incidents and improving adherence to safety regulations.

According to him, the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service inspected 8,791 facilities in different parts of the state during the year and issued 7,997 fire safety certificates to organisations and establishments that met safety standards.

He added that 90 fire safety reports were also issued to members of the public for insurance and related purposes.

The commissioner said the inspected facilities included 2,672 companies, 2,241 hotels and restaurants, 1,025 schools and vocational centres, 724 filling stations, 596 hospitals, 590 shopping malls and 141 banks.

Other facilities inspected included churches, supermarkets, bakeries, event centres, lounges, bars, high‑rise buildings, plank markets, tank farms and embassies.

Oyerinde attributed the improved emergency response system to continuous investments by the administration of Governor Babajide Sanwo‑Olu in firefighting infrastructure, personnel welfare and modern emergency management technology.

He disclosed that the state government procured 62 firefighting and utility vehicles while also completing strategic projects such as the Ebute‑Elefun Fire Station in Lagos Island and the Ijegun‑Egba Fire Station in Amuwo‑Odofin.

The commissioner added that ongoing fire station projects in Oworonshoki, Yaba and Ikotun would further strengthen emergency response time and improve coverage in densely populated parts of Lagos.

He reaffirmed the commitment of the state government to enhancing emergency preparedness, increasing public awareness and enforcing safety standards in both public and private facilities across the state.