LAGOS — The Lagos State Government saved properties valued at N118.32 billion from fire outbreaks in 2025. The state also lost properties worth N19.72 billion to various fire incidents across the year. Commissioner for Special Duties and Inter-Governmental Relations Olugbenga Oyerinde disclosed the figures at a ministerial press briefing.
Oyerinde said the numbers reflect the improved capacity of Lagos fire service and emergency management teams. He said investments in equipment, training, and rapid response infrastructure have significantly improved the state’s ability to contain fires before they spread.
“The ratio of properties saved to properties lost shows real progress. We are doing better. However, there is still much more work to do,” Oyerinde said at the briefing.
Related News
Lagos is Africa’s largest city by population with over 17 million residents. It also hosts Nigeria’s largest concentration of industries, markets, and residential buildings. Fire outbreaks in the city frequently affect warehouses, markets, residential compounds, and factories.
Key Flashpoints
Markets remain the highest-risk locations for fire in Lagos. Balogun, Alaba International, and Computer Village have all experienced significant fires in recent years. The close proximity of goods, open wiring, and lack of fire exits make large markets particularly vulnerable.
Related News
In addition, illegal connections to the electricity grid are a leading cause of fires across the city. Many buildings in Lagos, both residential and commercial, have faulty wiring installed without professional oversight. EKEDC and other power distribution companies have reported thousands of illegal connections citywide.
Furthermore, Lagos roads frequently delay fire trucks responding to emergencies. Traffic gridlock can add critical minutes to response times, allowing small fires to become uncontrollable. The Lagos State Emergency Management Agency has been working with LASTMA to create emergency corridors for fire trucks.
Government Response
The Lagos State Government has committed to expanding its fleet of fire trucks and recruiting more fire service personnel. Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu approved a new fire safety masterplan in 2025 that includes mandatory fire audits for commercial buildings.
Moreover, the government has begun training community fire wardens in densely populated areas. These volunteers are trained to use basic fire extinguishers and to coordinate evacuations before professional responders arrive.
Oyerinde urged residents to avoid overloading electrical sockets, keep fire extinguishers in their homes and businesses, and report faulty wiring to electricity distribution companies. He said public awareness is as important as government investment in reducing fire losses.
