Lagos State Government has disclosed that fire outbreaks across the state claimed no fewer than 133 lives and destroyed property valued at N19.72 billion in 2025.
This represents an increase compared to 2024, when fire incidents resulted in 91 deaths and property losses estimated at N19.52 billion.
Despite the rising figures, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has reiterated his administration’s resolve to reduce fire disasters through a blend of modern technology, improved emergency response systems and community-level engagement.
The latest statistics are contained in the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service 2025 Activity Report, which was presented during the 2026 Staff Engagement programme themed “People, Preparedness and Service Delivery: Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service”, held on Tuesday in Alausa, Ikeja.
According to the report, the agency responded to a total of 2,617 emergency calls during the year, including 1,685 confirmed fire incidents and 645 false alarms.
The service successfully rescued 473 victims alive and prevented property losses estimated at N118.32 billion.
In the area of fire prevention, officials inspected 8,791 facilities, issued 7,997 safety certificates and produced 90 formal reports during the period under review.
Speaking at the event, the Controller-General of the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service, Margaret Adeseye, acknowledged the progress made but noted that the agency continues to face operational challenges, particularly the high number of false distress calls and inadequate water supply during emergency operations.
She said the programme’s theme captured the essential foundations of effective emergency management, stressing that human capacity, preparedness and quality service delivery remain central to public safety.
Adeseye explained that the engagement provided an opportunity for personnel to assess performance, strengthen professionalism and reinforce a proactive approach to fire prevention, emergency response and disaster risk reduction.
“Our people are our greatest strength. Preparedness drives our effectiveness, while service delivery remains the true measure of our impact on lives and property across Lagos,” she said.
She added that continuous training, strategic dialogue and experience-sharing were critical to equipping officers with the skills and mindset required to address the complex fire safety demands of a fast-growing megacity.
The fire service chief also commended Governor Sanwo-Olu’s administration for its sustained support, particularly the recent signing of the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service Bill into law, which she described as a landmark step toward stronger governance, improved institutional capacity and enhanced operational efficiency.
Adeseye reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to building a safer and more resilient Lagos, where fire prevention is prioritised, emergency response is swift and service delivery remains people-focused and impactful.
The staff engagement featured presentations, interactive sessions and experience-sharing discussions aimed at strengthening fire risk management and operational readiness.
The event also included the decoration of newly promoted officers and the presentation of awards to outstanding personnel.