The Lagos State Government says it has sealed more 840 event centres and social facilities for safety violations and non-compliance with extant laws of the state.
Gbenga Oyerinde, state’s Commissioner for Special Duties and Inter-Governmental Relations, reveals at a ministerial news conference on Monday in Lagos, that the over 840 facilities were sealed in the last one year.
He says those shut include event centres, clubs, lounges and hotels, construction sites and others for safety infractions in the interest of public safety.
The commissioner lists some of those shut to include Lekki Conservation centre and Quilox, saying that the enforcement actions were carried out by the Lagos Safety Commission.
He states that about 7,819 facilities were inspected to ensure safety, with some 5,220 issued fire safety compliance certificates, adding that the Commission, through its environmental safety, has also carried out not less than 365 advocacy initiatives.
“Our ministry, in working in line with the THEMES Plus Developmental Agenda of Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, to mitigate risks and protect life and property of government and citizens of Lagos State, has sealed 840 event centres and social facilities for safety violations and non-compliance of extant laws,” he says.
Oyerinde also reveals that the fire safety officers from the States Emergency and Fire Rescue body successfully rescued 376 victims, preserving an estimated property worth of N152.22 billion, albeit with a regrettable loss of 82 casualties and N25.37 billion in property.
He says in line with efforts to bolster infrastructure, three new fire stations are nearing completion in Ijegun-Egba, Satellite Town, and Ijede, while an ultramodern workshop at the Alausa headquarters is nearly finished to cater to the agency’s fleet maintenance needs.
“Additionally, land spaces have been identified for the development of additional fire stations in Ibeju, Lekki and Ifako Ijaiye,” he says.
He adds that the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service had prioritised fire mitigation and emergency response strategies.
In his words: “The Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service is sustaining its focus on enhancing fire mitigation and emergency response strategies, aligning with the administration’s THEMES Plus Agenda. Under the leadership of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, a collective effort was emphasised to address the challenges posed by fire incidents effectively.
“Key statistics from the year’s emergency calls revealed a total of 2,537 incidents, including 1,627 fire calls, 191 rescue calls, 93 salvage calls, and 4 explosions, alongside 607 false alarms.
“This highlighted the critical need for increased awareness of fire safety measures to combat the impact of negligence and non-compliance with safety codes.”
