The Lagos State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to creating a safe, secure, and fire-free environment as it flagged off a statewide sensitization and advocacy campaign on fire awareness in markets and motor parks.
The initiative, launched on Thursday, August 21, 2025, by the Commissioner for Special Duties and Intergovernmental Relations, Mr. Olugbenga Oyerinde, is aimed at curbing incessant fire outbreaks that have over the years destroyed lives, livelihoods, and critical infrastructure across the state.
According to Oyerinde, the programme builds on the successes of the recently concluded International Fire Safety Week, which highlighted the need for collective responsibility in preventing disasters.
“Our Ministry remains steadfast in its resolve to make Lagos a safe, secure, and resilient place for everyone. But achieving this requires the collective efforts of all stakeholders,” he said.
The commissioner expressed concern over recurring market fires in Lagos, citing incidents at Dosunmu, the Savanna Building, and most recently, the Complex Market in Oshodi, which left traders with losses running into billions of naira. He described the sensitization drive as a proactive step to forestall such tragedies in the future.
The first phase of the campaign will cover six major commercial centres — Ketu Market, Agege Pen Cinema, Ile Epo, Iyana Ipaja, Ipodo, and Arena Market in Oshodi. It will feature roadshows, direct engagement with traders and motor park operators, and practical demonstrations on fire prevention, emergency response, and the safe handling of flammable materials.
Oyerinde urged participants to take ownership of the campaign and cascade the knowledge to their communities.
“Together, we can protect lives, safeguard livelihoods, and ensure that our markets and motor parks are safe, productive, and fire-free,” he declared while flagging off the programme.
The government said subsequent phases of the campaign will extend to all major markets and transport hubs in Lagos, with the long-term objective of entrenching a strong safety culture across the state.
Market leaders and transport union representatives who attended the flag-off described the exercise as timely and vital, pledging their support to ensure the message resonates with traders and commuters at the grassroots.
