Lagos Loses N19.52 Billion In Property To Fire Disasters In 2024, Says State Government.
The Lagos State Government has revealed that property worth an estimated N19.52 billion was destroyed in fire incidents across the state in 2024, highlighting the urgent need for enhanced fire safety measures. The announcement, made by the Commissioner for Special Duties and Intergovernmental Relations, Mr Gbenga Oyerinde, underscores the devastating impact of fire outbreaks on the state’s economic and social fabric.
Speaking at a ministerial press briefing in Ikeja on Monday to mark the first anniversary of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s second term, Oyerinde disclosed that the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service recorded 2,537 emergency calls in 2024. These included 1,627 fire calls, 191 rescue calls, 93 salvage calls, and four explosions, alongside 607 false alarms. Tragically, 19 lives were lost in these incidents, a significant reduction from the 82 casualties reported in earlier data for the period between May 2023 and March 2024.
Despite the losses, the state’s emergency response teams demonstrated commendable efforts, rescuing 376 victims and preserving property worth an estimated N152.22 billion. Oyerinde noted that the figures reflect the challenges posed by negligence and non-compliance with safety codes, urging residents and businesses to prioritise fire safety practices. “This highlights the critical need for increased awareness of fire safety measures to combat the impact of negligence,” he stated.
The commissioner outlined several initiatives to bolster fire prevention and response. Three new fire stations are nearing completion in Ijegun-Egba, Satellite Town, and Ijede, while an ultramodern workshop at the Alausa headquarters is set to enhance the maintenance of the agency’s fleet. Additional sites for fire stations have been identified in Ibeju, Lekki, and Ifako-Ijaiye to improve coverage across the state.
The Lagos State Safety Commission also took decisive action, inspecting 7,819 facilities and issuing fire safety compliance certificates to 5,220. Over 840 event centres, clubs, lounges, and hotels, including prominent venues like Lekki Conservation Centre and Quilox, were sealed for safety violations. These measures align with the state’s THEMES Plus developmental agenda, which prioritises public safety.
Market fires were a significant contributor to the losses, with 17 markets, including the Ladipo Baale Roundabout Plank Market and Itamaga Plank Market in Ikorodu, reduced to ashes in 2024. A notable incident at the Mandilas building in Balogun Market on 21 January 2024 destroyed a 14-storey structure housing 450 shops, 30 offices, two hotels, and five restaurants, causing substantial economic disruption.
The Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service has launched proactive measures, including sensitisation rallies and stricter safety enforcement in markets. The Director, Margaret Adeseye, announced plans to appoint and train Fire Safety Marshals, mandate fire extinguishers in shops, and enforce proper storage and electrical maintenance to curb future incidents.
Oyerinde also highlighted improvements in firefighter welfare, with special allowances for uniform maintenance, shift work, and hazard pay, alongside investments in local and international training to enhance response capabilities.
As Lagos, Nigeria’s economic hub with a GDP of $259 billion, continues to grow, the state government is calling for collective action to prevent fire disasters. Governor Sanwo-Olu’s administration has allocated N4.39 billion to the Fire Service in the 2024 budget, with N3.86 billion disbursed, to strengthen infrastructure and response mechanisms.
Residents and stakeholders are urged to adhere to safety regulations to safeguard lives and property, as Lagos strives to balance its rapid urbanisation with robust disaster preparedness.
