By Faridat Salifu
To forestall fire outbreaks during the harmattan season, Lagos State Government has mounted fire safety awareness campaign targeting marketplaces across the state.
The initiative, spearheaded by the Lagos State Safety Commission in collaboration with the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service, was officially launched at Jankara Market on Lagos Island,
Speaking at the launch, the Director-General of the Lagos State Safety Commission, Lanre Mojola, explained the urgency of addressing fire risks during the harmattan period, saying, “Harmattan comes with heightened fire risks due to its dryness.
“The campaign is about emphasizing fire safety, encouraging vigilance, and minimizing human errors that often lead to fire incidents,” he stated.
Mojola noted that while many markets are adhering to government safety directives, there is a pressing need for continued enlightenment.
He urged traders to avoid hazardous practices such as smoking, using cooking stoves, and storing or selling petroleum products within market premises.
As part of the campaign, safety marshals in markets are being trained in fire prevention techniques, including the proper use of fire extinguishers and detectors.
“We’re also working with market leaders to eliminate inflammable materials from markets and equip traders with the knowledge to handle emergencies effectively,” Mojola added.
The Director of the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service, Margaret Adeseye, underscored the importance of the campaign in reducing fire-related incidents.
She revealed that 75 percent of past market fires were due to negligence, such as overloading electrical sockets and the use of camp gas for cooking.
“We’ve seen significant improvement this year, with market fire incidents dropping to just 0.1% since April. However, we aim for 100% compliance to achieve a fire-free Lagos,” Adeseye said.
The director also warned against traders sleeping in markets and urged market associations to prioritize fire safety discussions during their meetings.
Expressing appreciation for the government’s efforts, Abdul Rahman Yusuf, Chairman of the Wrist Watch Sellers Association at Jankara Market, pledged the traders’ commitment to adhering to safety measures.
“We are fully aligned with the government’s policies to prevent fire incidents and safeguard lives and property,” Yusuf affirmed.
The fire prevention campaign may extend to other markets across Lagos, reflecting the state government’s resolve to create a safer environment for traders and residents during the festive season and beyond. END
Source:The Lagos State Govt x handle