Kayode Olopade
The Lagos State Government has sealed over 840 event centers, clubs, lounges, hotels, and construction sites for safety infractions and non-compliance with extant laws.
Speaking during the ongoing ministerial press briefing at Alausa, Ikeja, Commissioner for Special Duties and Inter-Governmental Relations, Mr. Gbenga Oyerinde insisted that the government will always prioritise the citizens’ safety.
The Commissioner also revealed that fire safety officers from the State’s Fire and Rescue Service successfully rescued 376 victims, preserving an estimated property worth N152.22 billion, albeit with a regrettable loss of 82 casualties and N25.37 billion in property.
He added that additional fire stations were established in Ibeju Lekki, and Ifako Ijaiye among other locations across the State.
Oyerinde further revealed that three new fire stations are nearing completion in Ijegun-Egba, Satellite Town, and Ijede.
“An ultramodern workshop is also nearly completion at the Alausa headquarters to cater to the agency’s maintenance needs. Additionally, land spaces have been identified for the development of additional fire stations in Ibeju, Lekki and Ifako Ijaiye.” Oyerinde noted.
He noted that the Fire Service is sustaining its focus on enhancing fire mitigation and emergency response strategies, aligning with the administration’s THEMES Plus Agenda.
Key statistics from the year’s emergency calls, he noted, 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”, he said.
On staff welfare, the Commissioner said new allowances were approved for firefighters. This, he noted, includes uniform maintenance, shift allowances, hazard allowance, and provision of personal protective equipment.
Oyerinde added that capacity development was also prioritized through foreign and local training to ensure readiness for emerging trends and mitigate fire incidents in the State.
