Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has urged all stakeholders to find immediate and lasting solutions to the persistent menace of tanker fire accidents, describing them as one of the most pressing safety challenges confronting the state.
Speaking yesterday at the Lagos State International Fire Safety Conference 2.0, held on Victoria Island with the theme “Leveraging Technology and Community Engagement to Prevent Fire”, the governor stressed that the state could no longer afford to treat the issue with complacency.
The event, organised by the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service (LSFRS), brought together experts, government officials, and industry players to deliberate on strategies for effective fire prevention, improved emergency response, and the deployment of modern firefighting technologies.
Governor Sanwo-Olu revealed that in 2024 alone, Lagos recorded property losses valued at ₦19.52 billion as a result of fire incidents. He noted that while these losses were significant, proactive measures and timely intervention had helped the state save property worth far more.
Highlighting the state’s response efforts, the governor said new initiatives such as “Safety on the Move” were being rolled out to reduce the frequency of tanker-related fires. The programme, he explained, is complemented by intensive public sensitisation campaigns targeting markets, schools, factories, and residential areas.
“Our goal is to ensure every Lagos resident understands how to identify potential fire hazards, prevent outbreaks, remain safe in emergencies, and assist others where necessary,” Sanwo-Olu stated, urging citizens to remain vigilant and respond promptly to early warning signs.
Commending the LSFRS for its remarkable efforts, the governor disclosed that the service responded to over 2,500 distress calls in 2023. He called for strengthening the Incident Command System, prioritising the installation of advanced fire detection, protection, and suppression systems, and integrating them with conventional firefighting equipment to contain fires at the earliest possible stage.
Also speaking at the conference, the Commissioner for Special Duties and Inter-Governmental Relations, Mr. Olugbenga Oyerinde, reaffirmed the state government’s resolve to adopt cutting-edge technology and foster deeper community involvement in fire prevention.
“There is an urgent need to re-strategise due to the recurring nature of fire incidents. We remain steadfast in our mission to achieve zero fire outbreaks in Lagos. Protecting lives and property is a shared responsibility, and we must all remain committed,” Oyerinde said.
In her presentation, LSFRS Director, Mrs. Margaret Adeseye, provided an overview of the agency’s activities and impact in 2024. She disclosed that property worth ₦117.12 billion was saved from destruction, while losses stood at ₦19.52 billion. A total of 450 people were rescued alive, and sadly, 91 lives were lost to fire incidents during the year.
Adeseye further reported that the agency issued 7,039 compliance certificates and inspected 7,870 commercial establishments to assess adherence to fire safety regulations. Out of these, 831 businesses failed to meet the stipulated safety codes.
Comparing annual data, she noted that fire incidents dropped significantly from 2,573 cases in 2023 to 1,952 cases in 2024—a development she attributed to increased public awareness and proactive enforcement.
“Fire safety is not just about acquiring sophisticated equipment; it is about protecting people’s lives and their future. We do not fight to merely extinguish fires; we fight to safeguard communities,” she emphasised.