‘Lagos records property losses worth N10.7bn in first half of 2025’

Between January and June 2025, Lagos State recorded over N10.72 billion in property losses from fire outbreaks, building collapses, explosions, and other emergencies, according to data from the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service (LSFRS).

Despite the staggering loss, the fire agency said it was able to save property estimated at N64.32 billion through timely interventions across 1,072 emergency incidents.

In a statement on Monday, Maria Fadairo, LSFRS senior public affairs officer, said 922 of the cases were fire outbreaks, alongside 73 rescue operations, 10 building collapses, and two minor explosions. The service also responded to 65 salvage-related incidents during the period under review.

Tragically, 62 lives were lost while 252 persons were rescued. The agency also reported receiving 315 false emergency calls, which is a persistent challenge that continues to strain emergency response capacity.

“These incidents comprised 922 fire calls, 2 minor explosion incidents, 10 building collapses — eight of it were partial, 73 rescue operations, and 65 salvage incidents,” the statement reads.

Speaking on the data, Margaret Adeseye, director of the LSFRS, said the volume of incidents reflects the growing pressure on the emergency response system in Nigeria’s most populous state.

She noted that the agency’s timely interventions prevented further escalation in most cases, preserving lives and billions of naira in property. However, she stressed the urgent need for greater fire prevention awareness and strict building safety compliance.

She added that efforts to improve emergency preparedness will be further strengthened at the upcoming International Fire Safety Conference 2.0, where local and international stakeholders are expected to share insights and forge partnerships for more resilient fire safety systems.

The figures highlight ongoing issues in Lagos’ urban management system, including poor safety culture, use of substandard building materials, electrical faults, and careless handling of flammable substances, that continue to drive up fire and collapse incidents.