The Lagos State Emergency Management Agency, LASEMA, in partnership with the National Emergency Management Agency, NEMA, has intensified efforts to enhance flood preparedness and public sensitization across Lagos State ahead of the 2026 rainy season.
The agencies disclosed this during a joint press briefing held today as part of activities lined up for a comprehensive flood awareness and disaster preparedness programme scheduled to take place at Alausa, Ikeja.
The programme is expected to bring together key stakeholders, including local government officials, traditional rulers, market leaders, transport unions, community development associations, and civil society groups to review flood response strategies, evacuation procedures, and vulnerability mapping in flood-prone communities across the state.
Speaking during the briefing, the Permanent Secretary of LASEMA, Dr. Olufemi Damilola Oke-Osanyintolu, said the agency is prioritizing prevention, preparedness, and rapid response as part of a proactive approach to disaster management.
According to him, Lagos, being a coastal megacity with a growing population and extensive waterways, remains vulnerable to recurring flood incidents, making early warning systems and public enlightenment critical components of disaster risk reduction.
“In 2025 alone, Lagos recorded over 1,100 emergency incidents, many of which were linked to flooding. This reality has made it imperative for us to move beyond reactive responses to a more preventive and community-driven strategy,” he stated.
Dr. Oke-Osanyintolu explained that the 2026 flood preparedness strategy is built around three major pillars: intelligence and early warning systems, community sensitization and capacity building, as well as coordinated emergency response and resource deployment.
He noted that LASEMA has upgraded its 24-hour Command and Control Centre with real-time data support from the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) and the Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NIHSA), adding that residents would receive localized flood alerts between 48 and 72 hours before anticipated heavy rainfall through radio, SMS, social media, and community channels.
The Permanent Secretary further revealed that disaster response equipment and relief materials have already been positioned in vulnerable locations, while LASEMA’s Marine, Light Rescue, and Heavy Duty Units have been placed on standby under a joint operational framework with NEMA.
Also speaking, the South-West Coordinator of NEMA, Mr. Akinyode Saheed, stressed the importance of collaboration between federal and state emergency agencies in mitigating the impact of disasters.
He assured residents that NEMA remains committed to providing technical support, early warning information, and relief assistance whenever necessary.
“Our partnership with LASEMA demonstrates the importance of synergy in disaster management.
Through our joint operational framework, federal intervention can be activated immediately whenever incidents exceed state response capacity,” he said.
Mr. Saheed also emphasized the need for residents to cooperate with emergency agencies by adhering to safety advisories, avoiding flood-prone areas, and responding promptly to evacuation directives.
He urged media organizations to continue disseminating accurate and timely information to support risk communication and prevent panic during emergency situations.
Dr. Oke-Osanyintolu, however, appealed to residents to play active roles in preventing urban flooding by properly disposing of waste, clearing drainage channels around their homes and businesses, and supporting community sanitation efforts.
“Flood prevention is a collective responsibility. Blocked drainage systems remain one of the leading causes of flash floods in Lagos, and residents must take ownership of their environment,” he added.
Residents were encouraged to contact LASEMA through its emergency toll-free lines 112 and 767 to report incidents and seek emergency assistance.
LASEMA is the lead agency responsible for emergency preparedness, disaster risk reduction, and response in Lagos State, operating under the Ministry of Special Duties and Intergovernmental Relations, while NEMA coordinates disaster management activities and provides policy direction and support to states across Nigeria.
Written by Yemisi Dada