Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has approved the recruitment of 150 new firefighters into the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service (LSFRS) in a move aimed at strengthening emergency response and improving public safety across the state.
The development was announced on Wednesday in Lagos by the Controller General of the LSFRS, Mrs Margaret Adeseye, in an official statement.
According to Adeseye, the recruitment is part of the Sanwo-Olu administration’s ongoing effort to build a strong, modern, and well-trained fire and rescue service that can respond quickly and effectively to emergencies in Africa’s most populous city.
Adeseye said the decision to recruit more firefighters shows the state government’s commitment to protecting lives and property in Lagos, where fire outbreaks and other emergencies occur regularly due to high population density and intense commercial activity.
She explained that the new intake follows earlier recruitments carried out by the Sanwo-Olu administration since it assumed office.
In 2020, the Lagos State Government recruited 100 firefighters, while in 2022, it employed 435 firefighters in what was described as the largest single recruitment exercise in the history of the Lagos Fire Service.
According to her, the addition of 150 new personnel will further strengthen the capacity of the service and reduce pressure on existing staff.
“This recruitment reflects the continued commitment of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu to building a resilient, well-equipped, and professionally trained fire and rescue service capable of responding effectively to emergencies,” Adeseye said.
The controller general revealed that the newly recruited firefighters were employed in November 2025 and have since commenced intensive training at the upgraded Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service Fire Academy.
She said the recruits are currently undergoing the Professional Basic Firefighting Competency Programme as well as a Short Service Course.
According to Adeseye, the training programmes are designed to prepare the firefighters for the demands of modern firefighting and rescue operations.
The courses cover fire suppression, rescue techniques, emergency response, safety procedures, teamwork, and discipline.
She added that the training also focuses on physical fitness and mental readiness, which are critical for firefighters who often work in dangerous and stressful conditions.
Adeseye stressed that recruitment alone is not enough without proper training and equipment.
She said the Lagos State Government has continued to invest in human capacity development, modern infrastructure, and operational tools to support the fire service.
Over the years, the state has upgraded fire stations, acquired new fire trucks, and improved communication systems to help firefighters respond faster to emergencies.
“These investments are aimed at ensuring the safety of lives and property across Lagos State,” she said.
Lagos, Nigeria’s commercial hub, experiences frequent fire incidents due to factors such as faulty electrical wiring, illegal fuel storage, poor building standards, and overcrowding in markets and residential areas.
Major fires in markets, factories, and residential buildings have in the past caused loss of lives and destroyed properties worth billions of naira.
In many cases, the speed and effectiveness of the response by the fire service determine the level of damage.
The latest recruitment is seen as a response to these concerns and a step toward improving emergency preparedness.
According to Adeseye, one of the key goals of the recruitment is to improve response time to fire outbreaks and other emergencies across the state.
With more trained personnel, the fire service can staff more stations, run shifts more efficiently, and respond to multiple incidents at the same time.
She noted that Lagos continues to expand, with new residential estates, industries, and commercial centres emerging across the state.
As the city grows, the demand for emergency services also increases.
“The recruitment is part of broader efforts by the Sanwo-Olu administration to strengthen emergency preparedness and improve response times in the state,” she said.
The recruitment of firefighters is one of several measures taken by the Lagos State Government to improve safety and emergency management.
In recent years, the state has also invested in road safety, flood control, and disaster management through agencies such as the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA).
The government has repeatedly said that protecting lives and property remains a top priority, especially in a city as busy and complex as Lagos.
Governor Sanwo-Olu has also emphasised the importance of inter-agency cooperation among fire service, ambulance services, police, and traffic agencies during emergencies.
Many Lagos residents have welcomed the announcement, saying it is a positive step toward addressing the challenges faced by the fire service.
Some residents, however, have urged the government to ensure that the new firefighters are deployed evenly across the state, especially in densely populated areas and markets that are prone to fires.
Others have called for continuous public education on fire prevention, noting that many incidents can be avoided through better awareness and safety practices.
Adeseye said the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service remains committed to professionalism and continuous improvement.
She assured residents that the service will continue to upgrade its operations to meet international standards.
As the 150 new firefighters complete their training and are deployed, the government hopes their presence will lead to quicker responses, reduced damage, and safer communities.
For Lagos, a city that never sleeps, the strengthening of emergency services is seen as a critical investment in its future safety and stability.
