Lagos State Government, through the state Fire and Rescue Service, has disclosed that at least 91 victims were recovered dead, while 450 victims were rescued out of 1,952 fire and related emergency cases recorded in the year 2024.
However, in the period under review, a total of ₦19.52 billion estimated properties were lost, while ₦117.12 billion estimated properties were saved.
This was contained in an Executive Summary report of the service for the year 2024, which provided an overview of key activities and achievements.
The Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service was established by Law Cap 42, 1972, and is charged with ensuring the safety of lives and property from Fire and related emergencies.
Meanwhile, the fire service has expressed commitment towards creating a safer, more resilient, and sustainable Lagos State.
The director of the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service, Margaret Adeseye, stated this at the 2025 staff engagement program, themed “Mobilizing Workforce Towards Fire Risk Reduction and Preparedness,” held at Alausa, Ikeja.
The program was designed to upscale Lagos Firefighters’ knowledge, skills, and attitudes necessary to identify and mitigate fire hazards, respond effectively during emergencies, and promote a culture of fire risk reduction and preparedness. It also explored best practices with emerging technologies to improve effectiveness.
In the executive report, “The fire rescue and related cases emergency calls recorded 1,952 total calls, out of which fire calls recorded 1,607, and 578 false calls.
“₦117.12 billion worth of properties saved, N19.52 billion worth of properties lost, 450 victims rescued alive. 7,870 facilities were inspected, and 7,039 fire certificates were issued (to companies, hotels and restaurants, filling stations, schools/vocational, departments/stores, hospitals, fire dealers, and bakeries).
“15 collapsed buildings recorded, while fire explosions recorded eight.
“Public Enlightenment: 450 advocacy activities including media engagements and school visits.”
Adeseye listed the constraints and challenges faced by the service, which included prank calls and hoodlum attacks.
Also, two new fire stations were commissioned by the state governor, who approved increased staff allowances.
Speaking on the staff engagement program, Adeseye said, “This event provides us with the opportunity to review our progress and identify areas for improvement as we continue working towards strengthening our service delivery in safeguarding lives, properties and the environments.
“The theme underscores the critical role each of us plays in fire prevention and safety. Fire risk reduction and preparedness require the active participation and commitment of every individual in the society.
“As members, we are the backbone of any strata of the society we belong to, and fire safety is a shared responsibility that demands our dedication and commitment both in our workplaces and communities.
“We must also acknowledge the unwavering support of the Babajide Sanwo-Olu-led administration, which has prioritized the safety of Lagosians and empowered our agency. The recent signing of the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service Bill into Law is a significant milestone that strengthens Fire Safety Governance and operational capacity.
“Let us work together to create a safer, more resilient and sustainable Lagos.”
