By Fabian Ekeruche
The Lagos State Government has commenced consultations toward the establishment of an Institute of Disaster Management and Migration Studies aimed at strengthening the state’s capacity for emergency preparedness, response and resilience building.
Dr. Olufemi Oke-Osanyintolu, Permanent Secretary, Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA), disclosed this during a stakeholders’ consultation meeting held in Lagos on Tuesday.
Oke-Osanyintolu said Lagos, as a coastal megacity, remained highly vulnerable to diverse emergencies and disasters, hence the state government’s sustained investment in preparedness, response and mitigation mechanisms.
“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.
According to him, Lagos now boasts 29 general hospitals, a teaching hospital, and a strengthened primary healthcare network capable of supporting emergency operations.
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 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.
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.
“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.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that all the stakeholders present at the meeting lent their support and endorsement for the Institute of Disaster Management and Migration Studies.
The meeting brought together representatives from the National Universities Commission (NUC) and the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE).
Also in attendance are international development partners including the 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).
Also in attendance are members of the academia from the University of Lagos, Lagos State University, Yaba College of Technology and other tertiary institutions, alongside heads of security and emergency response agencies. (NAN)(www.nannees.ng)
