The Lagos State Government says strengthened emergency management systems and climate resilience reforms have significantly improved disaster response capacity, as the state launches Africa’s first sub-sovereign flood insurance scheme to protect millions of residents.
According to the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA), a total of 9,688 emergency interventions were recorded between June 2019 and December 2025, driven by investments in early warning systems, rescue infrastructure, and coordinated response operations across the state.
The agency said its seven operational bases and pre-hospital care units responded to emergencies across Lagos’ local government areas and development councils, with 2021 recording the highest annual incidents at 1,743 cases. In 2025 alone, 1,156 incidents were managed, resulting in 1,924 rescues or resuscitations and 2,097 victims receiving emergency support.
Road crashes remained the leading emergency category in 2025 with 394 incidents, followed by truck and tanker accidents at 249, while fire outbreaks accounted for 204 cases. Alimosho, Eti-Osa, Ikeja, Kosofe and Mushin were identified as the most frequently affected areas.
Officials noted that improved coordination among emergency responders has reduced fatalities in recent industrial and structural fire incidents.
As part of its broader climate adaptation strategy, the state government said it implemented a three-year flood management programme between 2023 and 2025, including early warning systems, drainage clearing, river basin monitoring, and community emergency training.
Three emergency relief camps with capacity for up to 5,000 displaced persons have also been established in Lekki, Agbowa and Igando to respond to severe flooding events.
A key highlight of the reforms is the launch of a parametric flood insurance scheme described as Africa’s first sub-sovereign initiative of its kind. The programme provides up to $7.5 million coverage for about four million residents in seven flood-prone local government areas, with payouts automatically triggered by satellite-verified flood data.
The scheme was developed in partnership with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), AXA Climate, Swiss Re, AXA Mansard, and Germany’s InsuResilience Solutions Fund.
Lagos State also announced the creation of the Lagos State Institute of Disaster Management to train professionals in disaster response, risk assessment, and humanitarian coordination across Africa.
Permanent Secretary of LASEMA, Olufemi Damilola Oke-Osanyintolu, said the reforms reflect a shift from reactive response to proactive disaster preparedness.
“The integration of flood risk insurance and the establishment of our Institute of Disaster Management show that Lagos is not only responding to emergencies but building systems that protect future generations,” he said.
Residents were urged to adhere to environmental guidelines and make use of emergency hotlines to support ongoing disaster risk reduction efforts.
