When an accident happens on any of the chaotic roads in Lagos, every second counts. But for many residents, getting emergency medical help can feel like a gamble. While there are lifesaving interventions by the Lagos State Ambulance Service (LASAMBUS), others share frustrating stories of delayed calls. Is LASAMBUS still delivering on its mission? CHINYERE OKOROAFOR reports on its successes, struggles and the urgent need for a stronger emergency response system in the state.
On a humid evening in Lagos, Adeolu Alade was driving home from work when he witnessed a horrific accident along the Oshodi-Apapa Expressway. A commercial bus had rammed into a stationary truck, leaving passengers trapped and bleeding.
In a panic, Adeolu dialed 112, the Lagos emergency line, hoping for a swift response from the Lagos State Ambulance Service (LASAMBUS).
“I kept hearing music playing while waiting for an operator,” he recalled. “Minutes felt like hours before someone finally picked up.” By the time an ambulance arrived, bystanders had already driven some victims to a nearby hospital on motorcycles. Others were left helpless, waiting for medical attention that came somewhat late.
Role of emergency medical services in a fast-growing Lagos
Lagos, Nigeria’s economic hub is one of the fastest-growing cities in Africa, with a population exceeding 20 million people and increasing daily due to urban migration.
The city’s rapid expansion has led to higher traffic congestion, increased road accidents and a greater demand for emergency medical services (EMS).
According to data from the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Lagos records thousands of road traffic accidents annually, with many victims requiring urgent medical attention.
To address this growing need, LASAMBUS was established in 2001 to provide free emergency medical response across the state.
The service was designed to ensure that accident victims and critically ill patients receive immediate care before reaching a hospital, significantly improving survival rates.
Studies show that victims of Road Traffic Accidents (RTAs) without pre-hospital care are 5.5 times more likely to die than those who receive swift medical intervention.
However, LASAMBUS has faced several challenges over the years, including delays due to traffic congestion, poor road access and prank calls.
A major setback occurred during the #EndSARS protests in 2020, when several ambulance points were vandalised, disrupting emergency response operations. Although the five locations such as the Tollgate and the Third Mainland Bridge, among others, have been restored with new ambulance vehicles, there are concerns over the visibility, response time and efficiency of LASAMBUS. Residents say they no longer see the emergency vehicles stationed at their usual locations.
Many worry that the service may not be fulfilling its purpose
One commuter who passes through Lagos Tollgate daily noted that he had not seen an ambulance there for a while.
According to the commuter, if the emergency toll line doesn’t connect, it would be helpful to have someone available at the designated ambulance points to report emergencies in person.
Recalling an incident, he explained that while driving from Mowe to Maryland, he witnessed an accident near Isheri and repeatedly tried calling the emergency toll line but couldn’t get through.
Since he was heading toward the toll gate, he assumed he would find someone there to report the accident.
However, when he arrived, he saw no ambulance personnel—only two LASTMA officials. He reported the situation to them and continued his journey.
Data from a study titled “Lagos State Ambulance Service: A Performance Evaluation” highlighted these mixed realities.
Between December 2017 and May 2018, LASAMBUS received 1,352 road traffic accident (RTA) calls, but only 37.1% were attended to. Factors such as traffic congestion (60%), poor access (17.8%) and prank calls contributed to delays.
When The Nation visited five key ambulance points—Lagos Tollgate (Lagos-Ibadan Expressway), Mile 12 (Kosofe LGA), Third Mainland Bridge, Anthony (along Oshodi-Oke Expressway), and Mobil (Lekki-Epe Expressway in Eti-Osa LGA)—there was no ambulance in sight.
However, Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) officials at these locations confirmed that LASAMBUS is still active.
One official at the Lagos Tollgate explained that the ambulance had just left to respond to an emergency.
Similarly, a female officer at the Anthony point confirmed that the ambulance had been dispatched to Oshodi for an emergency and was later called to handle an accident in Bariga.
The officer emphasised that while ambulances may not always be parked at designated spots, they are constantly on the move responding to distress calls.
Some residents also complained about delays when calling emergency numbers 767 or 112, saying the lines play music for a long time before a call centre agent responds.
As the city continues to grow, experts argue that more ambulances, better coordination, and increased public awareness are essential to strengthening emergency response systems in Lagos.
A public health specialist, Dr. Ifeoma Onyeoma explained that having more ambulances will reduce delays, especially in a busy city such as Lagos.
She also stressed the importance of a well-organised system where emergency teams can communicate quickly and reach accident scenes faster.
“Many people don’t know how to call for help during emergencies. Public awareness campaigns will help residents understand how to contact LASAMBUS and what to do while waiting for help,” she said.
Despite these challenges, the Director of Lagos State Ambulance Service (LASAMBUS), Mrs. Beatrice Makinde insists that LASAMBUS remains fully operational, ensuring swift medical assistance across the state.
In a chat with The Nation, Makinde explained that the ambulances are always on the move, responding to emergency calls.
She said this is why people may not often see them parked at their usual spots.
“We receive over 200 emergency calls daily, ranging from road traffic accidents to medical emergencies and building collapses. Our ambulances are always on the move,” the official said.
According to Makinde, the ambulance service operates from five base stations strategically located across Lagos, including Badagry, Lagos Island, Ikeja and Ikorodu to ensure quick response to emergencies.
She acknowledged that some ambulance points were vandalised during the #EndSARS protests but have since been renovated and reinstated at key locations, including the Tollgate, Third Mainland Bridge, and the rest.
“When there is an emergency call, it is routed through our Command and Control Centre, which then directs the nearest available ambulance to the location. Our teams stabilise patients at the scene before transporting them to the appropriate hospitals,” she said.
Makinde further explained that some Lagos residents call the emergency numbers just to test if they are working. When the call is answered, they simply say, “Oh, sorry, we just wanted to check if the number still works.”
She reassured residents that the emergency numbers work efficiently, even as she urged people to avoid prank calls, as they could delay help for those in real emergencies. LASAMBUS provides free emergency medical assistance, ensuring swift response to critical situations.
Its services include on-site stabilisation, such as suturing and infusion therapy, to keep patients stable before hospital transport.
Depending on the severity of the case, the service director said patients are taken to specialised hospitals, trauma centres for fractures and severe injuries, while neurological cases are referred to the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH).
The service plays a crucial role in handling collapsed buildings, road accidents and other medical emergencies, ensuring timely intervention and life-saving care.
Beyond emergencies, Makinde said the ambulance service also supports large gatherings, as Lagos State mandates the presence of an ambulance at events with over 100 attendants.
Event organisers must request an ambulance at least two weeks in advance through the Ministry of Health, reinforcing the government’s commitment to public safety.
Residents can request an ambulance by calling 767 or 112, which routes calls through the Lagos State Command and Control Centre. The centre coordinates emergency responses among multiple agencies, including fire services, the police Rapid Response Squad (RRS) and LASTMA.
She added that the state currently operates 36 ambulances, which she admitted are not sufficient because of the state’s growing population.
She commended the Lagos State Governor, Sanwo-Olu for his commitment to improving emergency services, stating that more ambulances may be added this year.
“The governor has the interests of Lagos residents at heart. That is why our emergency response system remains one of the best in the country,” she stated.
Despite the challenges, LASAMBUS remains a lifeline for many residents of Lagos in critical moments, responding to hundreds of emergency calls daily, including road accidents, building collapse, and emergency support at public gatherings, among other emergency services.
For instance, in April 2022, a 27-year-old expectant mother, Shukurat Isa went labour while traveling on a public bus from Awoyaya to Orile in Lagos.
As the bus reached the Law School Bus Stop on Victoria Island, she began experiencing intense labour pains. A fellow passenger promptly called the Lagos State Ambulance Service (LASAMBUS) for assistance.
Within 14 minutes of receiving the distress call at 8:02 a.m., a LASAMBUS team arrived at the scene by 8:16 a.m.
The emergency medical team assisted Shukurat in delivering a healthy baby boy weighing 3.3 kg. After ensuring both mother and child were stable, they transported them to the Ikate Health Centre for further care.
The incident highlights the critical role of LASAMBUS in providing timely emergency medical services in Lagos.
The swift response and professional care not only ensured the safety of Shukurat and her newborn but also underscored the importance of public awareness with regard to the availability and proper use of emergency services.
While improvements are needed, more ambulances, better coordination, and faster response time, residents also have a role to play.
Understanding how to use emergency services properly, avoiding prank calls, and providing clear accident details can make a big difference. In a rapidly growing city like Lagos, a strong, well-functioning emergency system can mean the difference between life and death.
But with Lagos’ growing population and heavy traffic, the demand for efficient pre-hospital emergency care has never been greater. The question remains: Can LASAMBUS overcome its limitations to truly fulfil its life-saving mission?
