Lagos fire results in N19.72bn in damages, but N118bn in assets spared, according to government report

The Lagos State Government has revealed that it saved properties valued at N118.32 billion from fire incidents in 2025, while properties worth N19.72 billion were lost to various fire outbreaks across the state.

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This disclosure was made by the Commissioner for Special Duties and Inter-Governmental Relations, Mr. Olugbenga Oyerinde, during the 2026 ministerial press briefing, which commemorated the seventh anniversary of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu and Deputy, Dr. Obafemi Hamzat.

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According to Oyerinde, the figures demonstrate the growing capacity of the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service and other emergency response agencies to contain fire disasters and minimize economic losses across the state, with the estimated property saved exceeding total losses by more than six times, resulting in a net asset protection value of approximately N98.60 billion.

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In 2025, March recorded the highest value of properties saved at N12.60 billion, while August recorded the lowest at N6.78 billion, due to reduced emergency incidents during the peak rainy season.

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March also witnessed the highest monthly fire-related losses at N2.10 billion, whereas August recorded the lowest losses at N1.13 billion, as reported by Oyerinde.

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Between January and December 2025, Lagos recorded 1,972 emergency calls related to fire and rescue operations, excluding false calls, with fire calls accounting for 1,685 incidents, representing the overwhelming majority of emergencies handled by firefighters during the year.

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The state also recorded 139 rescue calls, 129 salvage operations, 13 collapsed building incidents, three partial building collapse incidents, and three explosion cases within the same period, as revealed by Oyerinde.

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March and April witnessed the highest emergency activities with 210 and 197 incidents respectively, largely due to dry season conditions and increased ignition risks, while emergency incidents dropped significantly in August with 113 calls.

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Emergency incidents rose again in December with 189 calls, owing to festive season activities, increased traffic movement, and heightened commercial operations, as noted by the commissioner.

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In terms of human impact, Oyerinde reported that 473 victims were rescued alive during rescue operations conducted across the state in 2025, while 133 victims were recovered dead.

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The government has intensified fire prevention measures to reduce incidents and improve compliance with safety regulations, with the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service inspecting 8,791 facilities across the state in 2025 and issuing 7,997 fire safety certificates to compliant organisations and establishments.

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The facilities inspected included 2,672 companies, 2,241 hotels and restaurants, 1,025 schools and vocational centres, 724 filling stations, 596 hospitals, 590 shopping malls, and 141 banks, among others, such as event centres, churches, supermarkets, bakeries, high-rise buildings, lounges, bars, plank markets, tank farms, and embassies.

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Oyerinde attributed the improved emergency response capacity to sustained investments by the Sanwo-Olu administration in firefighting infrastructure, personnel welfare, and modern emergency management systems, including the procurement of 62 firefighting and utility vehicles.

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The state government has also completed strategic fire service projects, including the Ebute-Elefun Fire Station in Lagos Island and the Ijegun-Egba Fire Station in Amuwo-Odofin, with ongoing fire station projects in Oworonshoki, Yaba, and Ikotun set to further improve response time and strengthen emergency coverage in densely populated areas.

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The commissioner reiterated the government’s commitment to building a safer Lagos through stronger emergency preparedness, public sensitisation, and strict enforcement of safety standards across public and private facilities.