Like most mega city-States around the world, Lagos is grappling with the challenges of huge population. One of these challenges is the ability to provide security as well as effective safety and emergency management, in order to prevent unnecessary loss of lives and property.

In continuation of our commitment to ensure a safe and secure Lagos, we are today commissioning the first Safety Arena in Lagos State and the first of its kind in Nigeria.

In this Safety Arena, we have brought all the Departments and Agencies responsible for safety and emergency management under one roof. This complex has the Fire Service Department; Environmental Health Department; Lagos State Ambulance Services (LASMBUS); State Environmental Health Monitoring Unit (SEHMU); Lagos State Building Control Agency (LASBCA); Safety Commission; Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA); Lagos State Neighbourhood Safety Corps; (LNSC); and the Nigerian Legion.

By providing ‘The Safety Arena’, we are not only institutionalising inter-agency co-operation and collaboration but we are moving our emergency response mechanism to a new level with a more robust approach to emergency rescue through improved coordination and faster response time.

With the movement of these Agencies into the Safety Arena, we will experience better synergy among them and a significant improvement in the response time to most Safety and Emergency issues.

Ladies and gentlemen, let me assure you that we are not only determined to institutionalize inter-agency collaboration but we are equally desirous of improving the inter-sectorial cooperation and synergy for Emergency Responders required for an effective Incident Management System.

I charge the Management and Staff of the Ministry and the various agencies to continue working on the improvement, renewal and sustenance of the existing synergy amongst the various agencies and players saddled with the responsibility of managing safety and emergencies in the State. I sincerely hope that this harmonious momentum will be maintained throughout the life span of this administration and beyond.

i must not fail to reiterate our commitment to create institutions that will serve our people satisfactorily always. Members of the public must not be treated inhumanly at any time your duties are being performed. We would not tolerate any professional misconduct or behaviour from our officers in this Arena.

However, it is important for us to note that effective and functional emergency response is not the responsibility of only the Government but of every individual in the State. We therefore recognise the need to continue to advocate and promote community participation in emergency management. All citizens must continue to conduct themselves responsibly for us to serve you better.

While we may not be able to entirely prevent some disasters we are working to reduce the number of incidents recorded in the State. We have increased the capacity of our responders to be able to respond promptly within the golden hour, thereby saving lives and properties.

To the citizenry, a shift in mindset is required. It can no longer be business as usual. More than ever before, we should all comply with safety rules and regulations and rededicate ourselves to strengthening the safety apparatus in the state.

Let me use this medium to express our gratitude to all our operatives and stakeholders who have been working hard to manage emergency situations in the State. We appreciate your efforts and we will continue to give you the support you need to ensure that we live in a safe and secure Lagos State.

I urge you all to remain steadfast behind this Administration and join us in ensuring a better Lagos.

Thank you.