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(Lagos)
Lagos State recorded over 300 accidents involving articulated vehicles and attended to 114 major disasters between December and Feb. 22, 2021, according to the Commissioner for Special Duties, Tayo Bamgbose-Martins.
The Commissioner made the disclosure during the First Road Traffic Accident Simulation Exercise held at the Cappa Response Unit, Oshodi in
Lagos on Monday.
According to him, analysis of the development shows that at pump price of N170 per litre by 33,000 litres, an estimated N1,683,000,000 were lost to the 300 tanker accidents.
The Commissioner said the state government was striving to minimise loss of lives and property during emergencies and sharpening the skills of rescuers.
“In 2020 we had over 300 tanker accidents. Between December and now LASEMA has responded to 114 major emergencies saving lives
and billions of naira worth of properties.
“While some were accidental, others could have been avoided with better awareness. These incidents have not only affected the state as a whole but individual households and businesses experiencing loss of income.
“The actions taken by the government including the purchase of some light duty equipment for LASEMA are all geared towards ensuring quicker response to all types of emergencies.
“Disaster prevention and management is a top priority of this administration and I can say with confidence and gratitude, that Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu has always supported the ministry and all the relevant agencies every time we call on his assistance.
“Lagos is densely populated and being the economic hub of Nigeria has made Lagos prone to disasters of varying causes ranging from global incidences to local industrial activities.
“The state has witnessed a series of accidents, flooding, gas explosions, fire outbreaks, pipeline vandalism and other mishaps.
“However, I am glad to say, that LASEMA and our sister agencies have lived up to the expectation
that borne their existence. Loss of lives have been prevented, and the effect of many disasters
mitigated with their professional handling of such unfortunate events.
“This simulation exercise, the first this year, is to further prepare our agencies for better disaster
management and also show the level of preparedness of our agencies, stimulating our responders for any event that will need their expertise,” Bamgbose-Martins said.
