By Joy Onu
The Honourable Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, has commended the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA) for its proactive approach to strengthening emergency medical and disaster response systems across Nigeria.
The development was made known in a statement issued to the media by Mary Ali (Mrs), Head, Press and Public Relations, Ministry of Interior, following a courtesy visit by LASEMA’s Permanent Secretary, Dr. Olufemi Oke-Osanyintolu, and his delegation. During the visit, the Minister described emergency medical services (EMS) as a critical growth sector for the country, stressing that Nigeria’s rising population demands structured and sustainable emergency response systems.
“Emergency medical rescue service is the next oil. With our population growth, the need for structured emergency response is enormous. We are just beginning to scratch the surface,” Tunji-Ojo said, emphasizing the sector’s potential as a driver of national growth.
He linked Nigeria’s long-term economic ambitions to disaster and emergency management, noting that the country’s goal of a $1 trillion economy by 2031 cannot be achieved without a robust capacity to respond to emergencies. “You cannot grow your economy without growing the capacity of your country to respond to emergencies and disasters. The two must go together,” he added.
The Minister also revealed that the Federal Government is nearing completion of a new Emergency and Fire Service Academy in Abuja under the Federal Fire Service. Expected to be commissioned as part of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s third anniversary celebrations, the institution will significantly boost national training capacity in rescue and disaster management.
While encouraging innovation, Tunji-Ojo stressed the importance of operating within constitutional provisions. He pointed out that emergency management falls under the residual legislative list, empowering states while requiring federal guidance and coordination. He assured LASEMA of the Ministry’s technical support and institutional collaboration.
For its part, LASEMA announced plans to reposition its proposed academy as the Institute of Disaster Management, focusing on disaster preparedness, emergency coordination, and professional capacity building. Dr. Olufemi Oke-Osanyintolu said the institute will strictly adhere to constitutional and legal frameworks and align with national standards.
He further highlighted the need for stronger collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Interior, particularly in fire service coordination, technical training, and joint emergency operations. Referencing a recent emergency response at the airport where lives were successfully rescued through inter-agency teamwork, he stressed that capacity building and collaboration remain central to effective disaster management.
Reaffirming federal backing for state-level initiatives, the Minister emphasized the importance of equipping high-demand commercial hubs like Lagos with strong emergency response systems. “Capacity building is the only sustainable path. If we build capacity, we secure Nigeria’s future,” he said.
