Lagos markets safety campaign urges traders to prevent fire hazards with proper storage, extinguishers, and emergency preparedness this Yuletide season

Lagos markets safety has been placed under renewed focus as the Lagos State Government warned market operators against unsafe fuel storage and smoking within premises.

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The Lagos State Safety Commission took its sensitisation campaign to Ayangburen Sabo Market in Ikorodu on Thursday, emphasising its commitment to “zero incidents, zero loss, and a safer Lagos for all.”

The campaign, themed “Promoting Safety Culture in Markets,” was led by the Director-General of the commission, Mr. Lanre Mojola.

He highlighted that with the Yuletide season approaching, markets like Sabo are crucial to the state’s economy, making strict safety measures essential.

Represented by the Director of Administration and Human Resources, Dr. Nike Akindele, Mojola expressed concern over recurring fire incidents in Lagos markets, often linked to preventable causes such as unsafe electrical wiring, generator misuse, and poor storage practices.

“Safety is a shared responsibility,” he stressed. “Shop owners must ensure proper wiring, avoid overloading sockets, and switch off electrical appliances after business hours.

Each shop should have at least one functional fire extinguisher, and traders must avoid open flames, unsafe fuel storage, and smoking within the market.”

The sensitisation session included lectures by safety and fire prevention experts. Yinka Adebiyi delivered a lecture titled “Safety in the Marketplace,” urging traders to adopt safer practices and avoid storing flammable or substandard materials.

A highlight of the event was the inauguration of 12 Market Safety Marshals for Sabo Market, who will serve as the first line of defence in identifying hazards and coordinating emergency responses.

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Alhaja Mutiat Ojulari, Iyaloja General of Sabo Market, pledged to relay safety messages to traders who were absent and ensure widespread adoption of safe practices across the market.