By Ariyo Zainab
The Lagos State Government has launched a new digital platform, the Lagos Emergency Responder Management System (LERMS), aimed at improving coordination among emergency agencies and reducing response time across the state.
The system was unveiled on Monday, April 27, 2026, at the Folarin Coker Staff Clinic Conference Hall in Alausa, Ikeja, as part of efforts to strengthen public safety in Africa’s largest city.
Speaking at the launch, the Commissioner for Special Duties and Inter-Governmental Relations, Gbenga Oyerinde, described the initiative as a strategic response to the complexities of managing emergencies in a densely populated urban environment.
He explained that the platform integrates multiple emergency response units into a single digital ecosystem, enabling faster coordination and deployment of first responders.
According to him, the state’s current emergency response time, which averages between 12 and 13 minutes, is projected to drop to between five and seven minutes once the system becomes fully operational.
“The advantages are clear: improved coordination, better resource allocation, and enhanced data intelligence, ultimately reducing the loss of lives and property,” he said.
Also speaking, the General Manager of the Lagos State Command and Control Centre, Giwa Kennedy, noted that the system is powered by artificial intelligence to verify emergency calls and reduce false alerts.
He added that residents can access the platform through multiple channels, including SMS, USSD, and a dedicated mobile application known as Eko Help.
In his remarks, the Permanent Secretary in the ministry, Sesan Ogundeko, said the system also addresses the long-standing challenge of identifying precise incident locations through real-time tracking and equipment monitoring.
The government said the rollout of LERMS aligns with its broader smart city agenda, leveraging technology to enhance service delivery and ensure faster emergency intervention.
Observers say the initiative marks a significant step toward modernising emergency management in Lagos, with the potential to improve outcomes in critical situations across the state.