In a groundbreaking move to combat the menace of market fires and hazards, the Lagos State Government has launched a formidable team of Safety and Emergency Marshals, vowing to achieve a zero-fire incident rate across all markets in the state.
At the heart of this bold initiative is the Lagos State Safety Commission, which, on Thursday, rolled out an unprecedented training programme at the bustling Obanikoro Market on Lagos Island.
The Director of the Commission, Mr Lanre Mojola, led the charge, unveiling a vision for a safer Lagos where market fires and preventable disasters become relics of the past.
Mojola’s message was clear: the days of neglect and complacency are over. “Safety is a collective responsibility,” he declared with conviction.
“Today, we’ve trained 50 individuals who will serve as the first line of defence in our markets. These Safety Marshals are armed with the knowledge to identify hazards, prevent disasters, and respond effectively to emergencies,” he added.
He didn’t hold back when addressing the past. “We’ve suffered enough from devastating market fires,” Mojola stated. “The state has borne the heavy burden of compensations, while traders have endured skyrocketing insurance costs. This stops now.”
The training delved into critical safety concerns—abandoned electrical sockets, improperly placed generators, and the absence of fire extinguishers.
Mojola painted a vivid picture of a future where flying cables, exposed wires, and other hazards are no longer threats.
“This is about building a sustainable market system where fire disasters are unheard of,” he declared.
Explaining the delayed rollout of the programme on Lagos Island, Mojola revealed it was a strategic decision to get every detail right.
“We’ve involved everyone—the Community Development Associations, market leaders, and locals. This is a top-down and bottom-up approach, empowering whistle-blowers to report infractions and enforce safety standards.”
Adding his voice to the initiative, the Technical Adviser to the Lagos State Safety Commission, Mr Seun Awojobi, described markets as the economic lifeblood of Lagos.
Represented by Mrs Omowunmi Ibraheem, he emphasised the programme’s transformative potential, stating, “This will foster a culture of safety and ensure Lagos remains the envy of all.”
The safety revolution didn’t stop there. Facilitator Mr Adeyinka Adebiyi left no stone unturned, exposing participants to comprehensive safety principles and urging them to enforce compliance.
“These Safety Marshals are not just participants—they’re the government’s eyes and ears in the markets,” he announced.
The initiative drew applause from local leaders, including the Chairman of the Community Development Association, Mr Sunday Ogunlana, and Obanikoro Market leader, Mr Lateef Iyaniwura. Both hailed the government’s determination to eradicate market fires and create safer trading environments.