Lagos government threatens to punish residents making false emergency calls

Lagos State Government yesterday said that it would punish any residents who make false calls, as some residents had formed the habit of making false calls to his emergency agencies.

The Commissioner for Special Duties and Inter-governmental Relations, Mr Oluseye Oladejo, who said this during a press briefing on the state government emergency disaster preparedness summit themed, ‘Promoting and sustaining integrated response to emergencies within the golden hour’ slated for 26th to 27th September at the Public Service Staff Development Centre, said making false emergency calls divert emergency officers from real disasters that they needed to attend to aside putting the officers under pressure.

He said there are consequences for making false calls and the State Government will not fail to punish any person apprehended for making false emergency calls.

Oladejo also said it was to ensure better response to emergency issues through being highly prepared is the reason it is holding the third edition of its emergency disaster preparedness summit.

The Commissioner said that the state government will continue to improve the capacity and capabilites of its personnel because it responders needed to respond with a difference and on time.

“To prepare for the challenges associated with sustainable preparedness, there is the need to understand the nature and causes of emergency situations and disasters.

“As a government that is committed to safety and well being of Lagosians, this administration has set these two days aside to plan, partner and share experiences with governments and organisations to ensure that the capability improvement process is strengthened.

“Upholding this commitment however requires collaboration among stakeholders in order to increase our level of preparedness and response whenever disaster strikes.”

Oladejo said the event is very significant in many respects as it has become part of concerted efforts to increase the level of preparedness for emergency situations, create awareness and sensitise the general public on the need to better respond to contemporary challenges of disaster and emergency management.