The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), in partnership with the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA), has inaugurated the maiden Sub-National Emergency Management Agencies (SEMA) Conference in Lagos.
The three-day conference, which runs from October 2 to 4, 2025, brings together emergency management stakeholders from the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) to strengthen disaster preparedness and resilience across Nigeria. Its theme is “Strengthening Subnational Emergency Management for a Resilient Nigeria.”
Speaking at the opening, NEMA’s Director-General, Mrs. Zubaida Umar, described the forum as a landmark step in building a robust disaster management framework nationwide.
“This is not just another conference—it is a call to action, a reminder of our collective duty to protect lives, safeguard property, and reinforce community resilience,” Umar said. She praised Lagos State for pioneering innovations in emergency response, including decentralised units, technology-driven systems, and community mobilisation, noting that such models should be replicated nationally.
She also highlighted her administration’s priorities: enhancing early warning systems, expanding grassroots training, and ensuring transparency in emergency interventions.
On his part, Dr. Olufemi Oke-Osanyintolu, Permanent Secretary of LASEMA, said Lagos’ hosting of the event reaffirmed its leadership in disaster management. He announced the launch of the Institute of Emergency and Disaster Management, which will begin admitting its first trainees by December, aiming to professionalise emergency response nationwide.
Oke-Osanyintolu also unveiled the LASEMA Mobile App, designed to provide direct communication, real-time feedback, and rapid assistance during crises.
Delivering a keynote address titled “From Risk to Readiness: Strengthening Disaster Preparedness at the Sub-National Level,” former Lagos Commissioner for Health and Education, Dr. Leke Pitan, recalled Lagos’ historic reforms, including the creation of LASAMBUS in 2001 and the establishment of LASEMA. He stressed that resilience-focused policies, integration of health systems, financing, and community partnerships are essential for Nigeria’s future.
“Emergencies are inevitable—what matters is our readiness, unity, and innovation in responding. Lagos has proven what is possible, and it is time to scale it nationwide,” Pitan stated.
The conference will feature plenary sessions, simulation drills, technical workshops, and networking opportunities for policymakers, responders, international partners, and the private sector.