Lagos State Government To Transform Igando Resettlement Camp Into Disaster Management Institute.
The Lagos State Government has unveiled plans to repurpose the Emergency Relief and Resettlement Camp in Igando, Alimosho Local Government Area, into Nigeria’s first Institute of Disaster Management. The announcement, made on Thursday, 31 July 2025, marks a significant step towards enhancing the state’s capacity to address emergencies and disasters, reinforcing Lagos’ position as a leader in innovative governance.
The initiative was disclosed by Dr. Femi Oke-Osanyintolu, Permanent Secretary of the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA), during a ceremony where he was honoured as a Red Cross Humanitarian Ambassador. The Igando camp, originally established to provide temporary shelter for victims of building collapses and other disasters, will be transformed into a state-of-the-art training and research facility focused on disaster preparedness, response, and recovery. The institute aims to equip emergency responders with advanced skills and foster collaboration among Nigeria’s 36 state emergency management agencies.
Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s administration has been lauded for its proactive approach to emergency management, with significant investments in infrastructure and equipment. Oke-Osanyintolu highlighted that the institute would serve as a hub for knowledge-sharing and capacity-building, with plans to host a national gathering of emergency agencies in October to mark the International Day for Disaster Risk Reduction. The facility is expected to offer training programmes aligned with international best practices, addressing challenges such as flooding, building collapses, and climate-induced disasters.
The decision to convert the camp follows its successful use as a relief centre, notably accommodating over 500 displaced persons during past emergencies, such as the 2019 Lagos Island building collapses. The Igando facility, equipped with hostels, medical wards, and recreational spaces, has been a cornerstone of the state’s humanitarian efforts. Its transformation into an institute is seen as a strategic move to shift from reactive to proactive disaster management, leveraging Lagos’ experience in urban resilience.
Stakeholders, including the Nigerian Red Cross, have welcomed the initiative, praising Lagos for its forward-thinking approach. Dr. Victoria Kolawole, Lagos Branch Chairperson of the Red Cross, commended the state’s commitment to emergency preparedness, noting LASEMA’s role in hosting over 500 youth participants for a Red Cross Boot Camp at the Igando camp during its 60th anniversary celebrations.
As Lagos prepares to launch the institute, the government has called for partnerships with local and international organisations to ensure its success. The move is expected to set a benchmark for disaster management across Nigeria, fostering resilience and safeguarding communities against future crises.