By Nkechi Eze
The Honourable Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, has commended the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA) for its proactive efforts in strengthening emergency medical and disaster response systems, while reaffirming the Federal Government’s commitment to supporting capacity development in the critical sector.
Tunji-Ojo gave the commendation while receiving the Permanent Secretary of LASEMA, Dr Olufemi Oke-Osanyintolu, and his delegation during a courtesy visit, describing emergency medical services as a vital growth sector essential to Nigeria’s long-term economic and social stability.
“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,” the Minister said.
According to a statement issued by the Ministry’s Head of Press and Public Relations, Mary Ali, Tunji-Ojo emphasised that Nigeria’s aspiration to build a $1 trillion economy by 2031 would depend significantly on the country’s ability to develop strong emergency and disaster management capacity.
“You cannot grow your economy without growing the capacity of your country to respond to emergencies and disasters. The two must go together,” he stated.
The Minister also disclosed that the Federal Government was nearing completion of a major Emergency and Fire Service Academy in Abuja under the Federal Fire Service, which is expected to be commissioned as part of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s third anniversary activities.
He said the academy would significantly boost national training capacity in rescue operations, firefighting, and disaster management, thereby strengthening Nigeria’s overall emergency preparedness framework.
While encouraging innovation and expansion in emergency response systems, Tunji-Ojo stressed the importance of operating within constitutional provisions, noting that emergency management falls under the residual legislative list, which empowers states but also requires coordination and legal clarity.
He assured LASEMA of the Ministry’s readiness to provide technical guidance, institutional support, and strategic collaboration to strengthen its operations.
In his remarks, LASEMA Permanent Secretary, Dr Olufemi Oke-Osanyintolu, disclosed that the agency was repositioning its proposed academy into an Institute of Disaster Management to focus on disaster preparedness, emergency coordination, and professional training.
He said the institute would operate strictly within constitutional and legal frameworks and align with national standards, while serving as a centre for capacity development and professional excellence.
Oke-Osanyintolu also highlighted the importance of stronger collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Interior, particularly in areas of fire service coordination, technical training, and joint emergency operations.
He referenced a recent emergency response at the airport where lives were successfully saved through inter-agency cooperation, noting that teamwork, preparedness, and continuous capacity development remain critical to effective disaster management.
Reaffirming Federal Government support, the Minister stressed the importance of strengthening state-level emergency institutions, especially in high-density commercial hubs like Lagos.
“Capacity building is the only sustainable path. If we build capacity, we secure Nigeria’s future,” Tunji-Ojo said.
The meeting ended with both parties reaffirming their commitment to enhanced collaboration aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s emergency response architecture and ensuring effective disaster preparedness nationwide.
