Reported by: Ijeoma G. | Edited by: Henry Owen
The Lagos State government has cautioned residents to stop making prank or nuisance calls to emergency services, warning that such actions strain resources and delay response to genuine emergencies.
The warning was issued by Mr. Femi Giwa, General Manager of the Lagos State Command and Control Centre (LSCCC), during a three-day National SEMA Conference in Lagos, themed “Strengthening Sub-National Emergency Management for a Resilient Nigeria.”
“Response time is very important in saving lives. When residents make false calls, they block genuine callers from reaching emergency lines. This delays first responders and affects the golden hour, that crucial window between life and death,” Giwa said.
Speaking to newsmen, he urged other states to strengthen their emergency management institutions, adopt technology, and foster collaboration to enhance preparedness and response to disasters.
Giwa highlighted that disasters often occur randomly and unpredictably, but adequate preparation can mitigate their impact. He emphasized that the conference aims to improve incident management nationwide, allowing emergency managers and agencies to share best practices for disaster prevention, preparedness, response, and recovery.
“Effective disaster management depends on collaboration. For example, when a building collapses, it takes firefighters, LASBCA, medical responders, and others working together. If the institutions are not well equipped and their capacity is not built, it becomes very difficult. It is not rocket science; we must invest in institutions, capacity-building, and infrastructure,” Giwa explained.
He further urged lagging state governments to explore innovative funding mechanisms, including community engagement and private sector partnerships, while also leveraging ICT for predictive analytics, data collection, and improved coordination.
The Lagos State government continues to prioritize emergency preparedness, ensuring that emergency services can respond efficiently and save lives across the state and the country.
The report is based on statements from Mr. Femi Giwa at the National SEMA Conference, Lagos.
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