Lagos State Government has called for stronger collaboration among stakeholders to tackle the alarming rise in drowning incidents across the state.
The State’s Commissioner for Special Duties and Intergovernmental Relations, Olugbenga Oyerinde, made the call during the event marking the 2025 World Drowning Prevention Day, in Lagos.
The event organized by the Lagos State Safety Commission and drew participation from students, youth corp members, experts, and other key stakeholders.
Represented by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Mr. Sesan Ogundeko, Oyerinde emphasized the urgent need for coordinated efforts among emergency services, community leaders, NGOs, and the private sector.
“We must work together, government agencies, civil society, and citizens to implement effective safety measures, raise awareness, and ensure quick response to emergencies.
“Let us learn from this global call. The goal is universal: to save lives. Policymakers must adopt and support a national drowning prevention strategy,” he said.
Director General of the Lagos State Safety Commission, Mr. Lanre Mojola, reiterated the agency’s commitment to enforcing safety regulations, improving surveillance of water bodies, and promoting swimming and rescue training in vulnerable communities.
“Drowning is a preventable tragedy that can occur anywhere water is present.
“We are working tirelessly to promote water safety through education, advocacy, and direct community engagement. Every life is precious and irreplaceable,” Mojola said.
Highlighting the legislative response to the issue, Hon. Rauf Age-Suleiman, Chairman of the Lagos State House of Assembly Committee on Special Duties, outlined measures introduced by the state to combat drowning.
He noted that the legislative arm would continue supporting the executive in addressing the crisis.
“One key initiative is the enforcement of the Lagos State Swimming Pool Regulations, first introduced in 2021 and reinforced in 2024 following a rise in pool-related incidents. The law mandates strict safety standards for all swimming pool operators including the presence of certified lifeguards, emergency signage, first-aid kits, and formal protocols for incident management,”he stated.
Also speaking at the event, Mr. Adigun Ibrahim, President of the National Youth Council of Nigeria (Lagos Chapter), commended the initiative and stressed the need for continuous awareness efforts, particularly among young people.
“Data shows that youths make up a significant percentage of drowning victims. Today’s event is rightly focused, as 85% of the participants are young people. Educating them on water safety can significantly reduce these incidents,”he noted.
The event concluded with a renewed pledge from stakeholders to intensify efforts towards drowning prevention through education, regulation, and collaboration.
