Resilience Scanner

Lagos State Emergency Command and Control Centre

Solution Overview

Lagos State has developed a comprehensive emergency management platform centered on the Lagos State Command and Control Centre (LSCCC), which has served as the central hub for coordinating emergency services including LASEMA, Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service, LASTMA, LASAMBUS, and the Rapid Response Squad since its inception in 2010.[5] This approach integrates technology and strong community mobilisation to improve emergency response coordination across the megacity.[1] Governor Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu's vision is to elevate the LSCCC into a world-class command centre through cutting-edge technology and strategic infrastructure development.[5]

Technical Components

The Lagos State Government is developing an emergency digital response platform that will help collect data necessary for informed decision making.[6] LASEMA unveiled the LASEMA Mobile App, designed to improve communication and speed of response during emergencies, allowing citizens to reach the call centre directly, provide real-time feedback and receive instant support during emergencies.[1] The Command and Control Centre in Alausa, where all emergency calls are activated to relevant responders, is being upgraded to interface with field operatives and control room personnel for support and necessary deployment.[4] Additionally, C40 is seeking a service provider to support the City of Lagos to develop an Extreme Water Events Early Warning System (EWEWS), which will include a communication and dissemination system that ensures early warnings reach all segments of the population, particularly the most vulnerable, in a timely and effective manner.[2] The EWEWS design will include a response and recovery plan that outlines the actions to be taken by different stakeholders in the event of an extreme water event.[2]

Implementation Details

The EWEWS project will be delivered in close collaboration with the Lagos State Government, specifically the Lagos State Ministry of the Environment and Water Resources and its agencies, including LASEPA, LASWARCO, Lagos Water Corporation, and the Office of Drainage Services.[2] LASEMA collaborates with multiple stakeholders including LASTMA, Lagos State Fire, LASAMBUS, Rapid Response Squad, Task Force, and State Environmental Health Monitoring Unit for emergency response coordination.[4] The service provider will develop and deliver a capacity building and training programme for the Lagos State Government and other stakeholders on the operation and maintenance of the EWEWS.[2] Governor Akinwunmi Ambode approved the establishment of an Aquatic Unit for LASEMA specifically for rescue missions on State waterways to complement existing responders on Lagos lagoon.[4] The Inclusive Water Resilience in Africa Fund, a grant-making facility supported by the Government of Flanders, supports African cities in the C40 network to implement projects that build water resilience in an inclusive and equitable way.[2]

Benefits and Impacts

Dr Olufemi Oke-Osanyintolu, Permanent Secretary of LASEMA, stated that a recent simulation exercise showed Lagos residents that LASEMA has the personnel, equipment and capacity to manage any form of emergency 24/7.[1] The NEMA Director-General commended Lagos State for its pioneering strides through LASEMA, noting its decentralisation of response units, integration of technology and strong community mobilisation as models for national adoption.[1] During the COVID-19 pandemic, the Lagos State Governor and Incident Commander constituted a Think Tank comprising 13 experts from various disciplines committed to the health of the public to facilitate emergency preparedness and response.[7] The Think Tank assisted the government with decision-making strategies and supported the emergency operation centre for the COVID-19 response, developing frameworks for decision-making and strategies for phased easing of the State-wide lockdown.[7] Governor Sanwo-Olu assured that the data gathered and the safety of the people of Lagos will continue to be the prime determinants of decision-making.[6]

Climate Adaptation Relevance

Lagos faces significant water-related challenges exacerbated by climate change, with its low-lying coastal location, high population density, and rapid urbanisation making it particularly vulnerable to flooding and water scarcity.[2] The Lagos State Government has developed the Lagos State Climate Action Plan (2020-2025), which sets out a comprehensive strategy for mitigating and adapting to climate change.[2] Lagos State's unique features include localization and concentration of 70-80 percent of Nigeria's industries, presence of international and local airports, sea ports, and high vehicular density, making it vulnerable to emergency incidents.[4]

Business Analysis

The Lagos Resilience Strategy was published in February 2019 under Governor Akinwunmi Ambode, establishing a framework for coordinated emergency management.[3] The National Emergency Management Agency in collaboration with LASEMA opened the maiden sub-national SEMA conference in Lagos on Thursday, October 2, 2025, demonstrating national recognition of Lagos's emergency management model.[1] The EWEWS development represents a strategic investment in climate adaptation infrastructure supported through international partnerships, with C40 facilitating technical assistance and the Government of Flanders providing grant funding through the Inclusive Water Resilience in Africa Fund.[2] This multi-stakeholder approach combines municipal capacity with international technical expertise and grant financing to build comprehensive early warning capabilities for extreme water events.[2]

Sources