National Telescope national telescope newspaper
Chibuzor Alli
The Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service (LSFRS) has revealed that it received 578 false calls out of a total of 1,952 calls in 2024.
This revelation was made during the 2025 Annual Staff Engagement of the LSFRS, which took place at the Adeyemi Bero Auditorium in Ikeja, Lagos, on Thursday.
According to the report, the fire service successfully saved properties worth N117.12 billion and rescued 450 victims alive in 2024.
However, the government has issued a stern warning to residents about the dangers of making prank calls to the fire service, emphasising the strain such false alarms place on public safety resources.
Gbenga Oyerinde, the Commissioner for Special Duties and Intergovernmental Relations, highlighted that prank calls and attacks on firefighters were significant challenges the agency faced.
Represented by Mr. Olumide Williams, a Director in the Ministry, Oyerinde applauded the agency’s personnel for their dedication, urging them to remain focused on fire safety and emergency response.
“The Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service has remained steadfast in fulfilling its statutory mandate, prioritising fire prevention as the cornerstone of disaster management,” Oyerinde said.
“While firefighting is critical, proactive fire safety education and risk reduction measures play a vital role in saving lives and minimizing damage.”
He also commended Governor Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu for his continued support, which has contributed to the agency’s accomplishments in 2024.
These include the commissioning of new fire stations at Ijede, Ikorodu, Ijegun Egba, and Satellite Town, as well as the completion of the Oworonshoki Fire Station and an ultra-modern workshop for fire appliances.
Speaking to journalists at the event, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Mr. Sesan Ogundeko, reiterated Oyerinde’s concerns regarding the impact of prank calls on fire service operations.
“As the commissioner has said, fake calls remain one of the challenges we are facing at the command and control centers, and it is also affecting the performance of the fire service,” Ogundeko stated.
“It leads to unnecessary wastages of resources. Our warning is clear: the law is very strict on this, and anyone caught will face the full wrath of the law.”
Mrs. Margaret Adeseye, the State Director of the agency, emphasized that the annual staff engagement provided an opportunity to reflect on progress and identify areas for improvement in safeguarding lives, properties, and the environment.
“The theme for this year’s engagement, ‘Mobilizing Workforce Towards Fire Risk Reduction and Preparedness,’ underscores the critical role each of us plays in fire prevention and safety,” Adeseye said.
“Fire safety is a shared responsibility that requires the active participation of everyone, both in our workplaces and communities.”
She also acknowledged the unwavering support of the Sanwo-Olu-led administration, highlighting the recent signing of the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service Bill into law as a major step in strengthening fire safety governance and the operational capacity of the agency.
The event also saw the presentation of cash awards to three retirees in recognition of their years of dedicated service to the agency.
Orire Taofeek, Bada Adekunle, and Adebanjo Abiodun each received N1.5 million, while Daboh Perekeduba was awarded N1 million.
The government’s warning on prank calls and the recognition of firefighters’ contributions underscores the importance of public cooperation in enhancing fire safety across Lagos.
