In a bid to boost human capacity and sustain structure on emergency response, the Lagos State Government has engaged relevant stakeholders for consultations toward a robust curriculum for its Institute of Disaster Management and Migration Studies, in Igando.
The Institute managed by the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency, LASEMA, aimed at strengthening national capacity for emergency preparedness, response and resilience building.
Permanent Secretary, LASEMA, Dr. Olufemi Oke-Osanyintolu, at the stakeholders consultative meeting held in Ikeja, said Lagos, as a coastal megacity, remain highly vulnerable to diverse emergencies and disasters, hence the state government’s sustained investment in preparedness, response and mitigation mechanisms.
Dr. Oke-Osanyintolu noted that the purpose of the consultation meeting was to harmonize shared visions, define regulatory and operational pathways, and co-create an implementation roadmap to ensure proper accreditation and sustainability of the Institute.
“Lagos has over the years invested immensely in building resilience, strengthening response structures and enhancing the capacity of emergency responders.
“From the unfortunate bomb blast of 2002 to recent public health crises such as Ebola and COVID-19, our experience has shaped a more coordinated and robust emergency management system.” Oke- Osanyitolu said.
He recalled that the state had expanded its institutional frameworks since the establishment of LASEMA by law, improving emergency medical services, ambulance operations and coordination with hospitals across the six zones of the state.
The Permanent Secretary highlighted the state’s collaborations with international partners such as UNDP and IOM in supporting humanitarian coordination, migrant rehabilitation and emergency response.
He explained that the Institute would operate through partnerships with NEMA, the Academia, and international bodies to ensure professional credibility, global alignment and operational relevance.
He noted that Lagos hosts the first dedicated migration and disaster management coordination hub in West Africa, located in Igando.
“We are now taking the next step — to institutionalize these experiences and build long-term capacity through the proposed Institute of Disaster Management and Migration Studies.
“The Institute will serve as a national and regional centre for training, research, and practical field experience in disaster and migration management,” Oke- Osanyitolu said.
He explained that the proposed Institute would operate through partnerships with the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), the Academia, and international bodies to ensure professional credibility, global alignment and operational relevance.
“This is not just a LASEMA project. It is a Lagos State project, a Federal Government project, and a collective national effort.
“Our goal is to establish a world-class capacity development hub that will train, audit, and equip all categories of emergency responders with both theoretical and practical knowledge,” he stressed.
He commended the continued support of development partners, academia and emergency agencies, describing their participation as a reaffirmation that the initiative was timely, strategic and achievable.
“Together, let us build a safer, stronger and more resilient Lagos, Nigeria, West Africa and Africa,” he concluded.
Stakeholders present at the meeting which included Redcross, LASTMA, Fire Service, LASAMBUS, Minister of Tertiary Education, UNILAG, LASU among others, lent their support and endorsement for the Institute of Disaster Management and Migration Studies.
Also in attendance were representatives from the National Universities Commission (NUC) and the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE), United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), International Organization for Migration (IOM), United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), and the United Nations Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR), alongside Heads of security and emergency response agencies.
Reporting by Yemisi Dada