The Lagos State Government has recruited 150 additional firefighters as part of efforts to enhance emergency response, improve public safety and strengthen the operational capacity of the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service (LSFRS).
The recruitment, approved by the administration of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, is aimed at addressing the growing emergency challenges associated with rapid urbanisation and population expansion in the state.
This was disclosed in a statement issued by the Controller of the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service, Mrs Margaret Adeseye, through the agency’s Public Affairs Officer.
Government’s Safety and Emergency Strategy
According to Adeseye, the recruitment underscores the state government’s commitment to building a responsive, resilient and professionally trained fire service capable of protecting lives and property across Lagos.
She noted that the move aligns with the administration’s broader agenda of strengthening emergency preparedness and disaster management mechanisms in Africa’s most populous city.
Adeseye added that continuous investment in manpower and training remained critical to improving response time and operational efficiency during emergencies.
Training and Capacity Building
The newly recruited firefighters, employed in November 2025, are currently undergoing intensive training at the Lagos State Fire Academy in Ikeja.
They are being trained under the Professional Basic Firefighting Competency and Short Service Course, a programme designed to equip personnel with modern firefighting skills, discipline, and safety procedures in line with international best practices.
Officials said the training would prepare the recruits to handle diverse emergency situations, including fires, rescue operations and disaster response.
Sustained Recruitment Drive
The latest recruitment is part of a sustained effort by the Sanwo-Olu administration to strengthen the state’s fire service.
In 2020, the state recruited 100 firefighters to reinforce emergency response during the COVID-19 pandemic, while 435 firefighters were inducted in 2022, marking the largest recruitment exercise in the history of the service.
The 2022 intake coincided with activities marking the Golden Jubilee of the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service.
Infrastructure and Equipment Expansion
Beyond manpower development, the state government has also invested heavily in fire-fighting infrastructure and equipment.
Recent upgrades include the procurement of 62 modern fire trucks, the establishment of new fire stations in areas such as Ajegunle, Ebute Elefun and Oba Oniru–Lekki, and the commissioning of a new headquarters at Alausa, Ikeja.
These interventions are expected to enhance coverage, reduce response time and improve service delivery across the state.
Public Safety Outlook
With Lagos recording frequent fire outbreaks due to dense settlements, industrial activities and traffic congestion, experts say strengthening the fire service remains critical to safeguarding lives, property and economic assets.
The recruitment of additional firefighters is therefore expected to significantly boost emergency response efficiency and reinforce public confidence in the state’s safety architecture.