The Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA) has expressed readiness to collaborate with the World Bank to strengthen disaster management capacity in Lagos through enhanced staff training and institutional support.
The Permanent Secretary of LASEMA, Olufemi Oke-Osanyintolu, disclosed this during a courtesy visit by a World Bank delegation to the agency’s operational base in Oshodi.
Oke-Osanyintolu noted that the Lagos State Government has continued to invest heavily in disaster prevention, preparedness and response, adding that the administration of Babajide Sanwo-Olu has created an enabling environment that strengthens the agency’s operational efficiency.
According to him, LASEMA has evolved beyond disaster response to focus on disaster mitigation through the establishment of the Institute of Disaster Management.
He added that the agency has become a model for other states across Nigeria.
The Permanent Secretary commended the World Bank team for the visit, expressing optimism that the collaboration would further strengthen the state’s capacity to effectively manage disasters.
Earlier, the World Bank Team Lead and Senior Disaster Management Specialist, Francis Nkonka, said the visit was aimed at identifying areas for collaboration and support with the Lagos State Government.
Nkonka explained that the organisation intends to align with the state through technical and investment support in risk management.
He added that the World Bank is working to strengthen emergency preparedness and response capacity at both state and federal levels, noting that LASEMA’s operational framework stands out compared to many other states.
According to him, the institution hopes to study the strategies and operational processes adopted by LASEMA and replicate successful models in other states to improve national emergency response systems.
Also speaking, the World Bank Senior Disaster Management Specialist, Mary Boyer, said the organisation is prepared to provide technical and manpower support to enhance LASEMA’s operations.
Boyer explained that the World Bank’s emergency preparedness support focuses on facilities, equipment, personnel, information systems and institutional frameworks.
She added that the organisation aims to help LASEMA become a global benchmark by leveraging international best practices and disaster management experience from other regions.
The World Bank team expressed satisfaction with the Lagos State Government’s investment in disaster management infrastructure and response systems.
Written by Yemisi Dada