In a bid to reduce emergency response time, the Lagos State government has introduced the Lagos Emergency Responder Management System, LERMS, under the supervision of the state’s Command and Control Centre, LSCCC.
LERMS is a transformative digital platform designed to revolutionize emergency management and response coordination across Lagos metropolis.
General Manager LSCCC, Mr Femi Kennedy-Giwa, said the initiative is to ensure efficient coordination of information and resources to support emergency response through real time monitoring, communication and rapid deployment and demobilisation of resources.
Mr Kennedy-Giwa noted that LERMS is not just a system but a robust, technology driven framework that seamlessly connects citizens, responders and the Control Center.
According to GM LSCCC, LERMS is equipped with an advanced AI-powered middleware infrastructure that enables verification of caller integrity and authentication of incidents across all platforms and devices. This ensures that information received is credible, actionable, and processed with speed and accuracy, ultimately reducing false alarms and improving operational efficiency.
“On the operational front, the system provides responders with enhanced tools such as in-vehicle communication systems and asset tracking capabilities, ensuring coordinated and timely interventions across single and multi-agency responses. The multi-tier control centre architecture further strengthens our operational capacity by decentralizing response while maintaining centralized command oversight for faster and more effective decision-making”
“The integration of the Emergency Notification and Alert System allows us to proactively communicate critical information to residents during emergencies, while the Ambulance Services Management System significantly improves medical response through real-time tracking of ambulances, hospital capacity monitoring, and efficient deployment of healthcare resources”
“The impact of LERMS will be far-reaching improving response times, strengthening inter-agency coordination, optimizing resource utilization, and ultimately saving more lives” GM LSCCC says
“As we move forward, we remain committed to innovation, continuous improvement, and service excellence in safeguarding the lives and property of all Lagosians” Giwa stated
Commissioner for Special Duties and Intergovernmental Relations, Mr Olugbenga Oyerinde, said the LERMS platform brings together multiple layers of emergency response into a single unified ecosystem tagged EKO HELP which empowers residents to report emergency through mobile application, USSD, SMS and other channels to enhance responses from different emergency responders in a short time.
“One of the most remarkable components is the Ambulance Services Management System, which integrates hospital bed tracking, ambulance dispatch, and real-time coordination of health professionals. This will significantly enhance our capacity to respond to medical emergencies swiftly and effectively” he emphasized
“The advantages of this system are clear: faster response times, improved coordination, better resource allocation, enhanced data intelligence, and ultimately, a reduction in the loss of lives and property. More importantly, LERMS aligns with the Lagos State Government’s Smart City vision, leveraging innovation to improve governance and service delivery” Oyerinde said
While highlighting the objectives of LERMS, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Mr Sesan Ogundeko, appreciated Governor Babajide Sanwo-olu for realization of the initiative through release of funds to make Lagos leverage on innovation to improve governance and service delivery.
“Let me emphasize that while technology is a powerful tool, its effectiveness depends on collaboration and responsible usage. We therefore call on all residents to actively engage with these platforms and use them responsibly to ensure optimal performance” he said.
“I commend the Lagos State Command and Control Centre and all partner agencies for their dedication, professionalism, and commitment in bringing this vision to reality.”
The Consultant trained representatives of all emergency responders in the state including LASEMA, LASAMBUS, Fire Service, on how the application works for more efficiency in emergency management.
Reporting by Yemisi Dada