Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu announced on Friday, April 12, that his administration is considering implementing stringent measures to address the recklessness of traders in markets following recent fire incidents.
He made these remarks during a meeting with the leadership of the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), led by its new Director-General, Zubaida Umar, at the State House in Marina.
The NEMA delegation visited Lagos to express solidarity with the state government after a devastating fire at Dosunmu market on Lagos Island destroyed 14 multi-storey buildings and assets worth millions last Tuesday.
Governor Sanwo-Olu expressed disappointment at what he called the reckless handling of flammable materials in the market and noted that despite prior sensitization efforts by the state government, some traders had not heeded safety advice.
He praised the timely response of firefighters but highlighted challenges due to obstructed access on narrow streets, which hindered efforts to control the blaze.
The governor also acknowledged the coordinated efforts of state and federal responders in containing the fire.
Meanwhile, NEMA’s visit coincided with the concluding stages of the state’s emergency response at the fire site.
Governor Sanwo-Olu commended NEMA for promptly deploying first responders to assist local efforts.
The governor also disclosed that the state had begun assessing the damage to assist affected traders in recovery.
This information would be shared with NEMA to facilitate targeted support for those impacted.
In response, NEMA’s Director-General, Zubaida Umar, pledged to enhance awareness on safe power usage in densely populated markets to mitigate fire risks.
Subsequent to the fire, Governor Sanwo-Olu ordered the immediate suspension of commercial activities in Dosunmu Street and nearby areas.
This directive was announced by Special Adviser to the Governor on Central Business Distress, Bola Lawal, during an assessment visit to the affected sites.
The affected markets include Dosunmu, Nnamdi Azikiwe, Moshalashi, Woro Pedro, Obanikoro Street, Ago Tawa, Idumagbo Avenue, Idumagbo, Ido–Oluwo, and Oju Olobun Street.
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