Lagos records 133 fire-related deaths, N19.7bn losses in 2025

The Lagos State Government has disclosed that at least 133 lives were lost and property worth N19.72 billion was destroyed in fire incidents across the state in 2025.

The figures were contained in the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service 2025 Activity Report, unveiled during the 2026 Staff Engagement programme themed “People, Preparedness and Service Delivery: Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service”, held at Alausa, Ikeja.

The report showed a rise in fatalities compared to 2024, when 91 lives and property valued at N19.52 billion were lost to fire outbreaks in the state.

According to the document, the service responded to a total of 2,617 emergency calls in 2025, including 645 false alarms, which culminated in 1,685 confirmed fire incidents. Despite the losses, 473 victims were rescued alive, while property valued at N118.32 billion was saved.

Fire prevention activities also featured prominently during the year, with 8,791 facilities inspected, 7,997 safety certificates issued and 90 compliance reports generated.

Speaking at the event, the Controller General of the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service, Margaret Adeseye, acknowledged the achievements recorded during the year but noted that the service continued to face operational challenges, including a high incidence of false emergency calls and inadequate water supply during some rescue operations.

Adeseye said the theme of the engagement underscored the critical pillars of effective emergency response and public safety, stressing that personnel, preparedness and service delivery remain central to the agency’s mandate.

“Our people are our greatest asset, preparedness is the backbone of operational effectiveness, and service delivery is the true measure of our impact on the lives and property of Lagosians,” she said.

She explained that the engagement was designed to strengthen capacity, enhance professionalism and promote a proactive approach to fire prevention, emergency response and disaster risk reduction in the state.

The fire chief commended Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu for his administration’s continued support, particularly the recent signing into law of the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service Bill, which she described as a historic milestone that has strengthened the service’s institutional framework and operational efficiency.

Adeseye reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to building a safer and more resilient Lagos, where fire prevention is prioritised and emergency response is swift and people-centred.

The programme featured presentations, interactive sessions and experience-sharing discussions focused on fire risk management and operational readiness. It also included the decoration of newly promoted officers and the presentation of awards to outstanding personnel.