The Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service, LSFRS has reaffirmed its commitment to effective emergency response, preparedness, and people-centred service delivery.
Controller-General of LSFRS, Mrs. Margaret Abimbola Adeseye, stated this at the 2026 Annual Staff Engagement held at Adeyemi Bero Auditorium, Alausa with the theme: “People, Preparedness and Service Delivery”.
Adeseye described the engagement as a critical platform for reflection, capacity building, and strategic alignment in addressing Lagos’ growing fire safety and disaster management needs.
She emphasised that personnel remain the Service’s greatest asset, noting that operational readiness and quality service delivery are central to protecting lives and property across the state.
The Controller-General commended the Babajide Sanwo-Olu-led administration for its sustained support, particularly the signing of the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service Bill into law, which she said has strengthened the Service’s legal framework and operational efficiency.
Presenting highlights of the Service’s 2025 performance, Adeseye disclosed that LSFRS responded to 2,617 emergency calls, including 1,685 fire incidents, rescuing 473 victims alive while recovering 133 fatalities.
She noted that assets valued at ₦118.32 billion were saved, compared to losses of ₦19.72 billion, reflecting a 6:1 rescue-to-loss ratio.
In the area of fire prevention, the Service inspected 8,791 facilities, issued 7,997 safety certificates, and carried out 390 community engagements, including media appearances, public sensitisation campaigns, and school outreach programmes.
On personnel development, the Controller-General revealed that the Service currently has 929 personnel, with 150 new recruits and 105 promotions recorded in 2025, noting that there were zero dismissals during the period.
She also highlighted ongoing infrastructure expansion, including the operation of 22 fire stations across 20 local government areas, with four additional stations and an ultra-modern workshop under construction.
Despite these achievements, Adeseye acknowledged challenges such as false emergency calls, inadequate water supply, communication gaps, and restricted access to emergency scenes, assuring that strategic measures are being implemented to address them.
She urged officers to remain committed, proactive, and professional in building a safer and more resilient Lagos State.
Delivering the keynote address, Mr. Tunde Ogundeko emphasized the importance of collaboration, accountability, and performance-driven service within the Fire and Rescue Service. He highlighted the need for strong institutional systems that support staff welfare, continuous training, and effective performance measurement.
Also speaking at the event, Chairman of the Lagos State Civil Service Commission, Mrs. Boladele Dapo-Thomas, said the engagement was aimed at fostering collaboration and ensuring the welfare and well-being of officers. She stressed the importance of proper motivation and performance measurement in the public service.
Mrs. Dapo-Thomas explained that the Lagos State Public Service operates a structured staff performance appraisal system, using established tools to assess officers’ performance as satisfactory or otherwise.
She noted that committed and outstanding officers are rewarded, while those who fall short of expected standards are sanctioned in line with civil service rules. She cited recent recognitions such as the Outstanding Officer Awards as evidence of the state government’s commitment to rewarding excellence.
Addressing concerns about staff shortages, the chairman said the government responds promptly to workforce gaps caused by retirement or resignation, noting that the state recently carried out the strategic employment of 50 new firefighters to strengthen the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service.
She commended the bravery of fire officers, describing them as gallant men and women who run towards danger when others run away. She urged them to remain passionate and compassionate in the discharge of their duties, assuring them that their sacrifices would continue to be recognised and rewarded.
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