By Bilkis Abdulraheem Lawal
Lawmakers cite recent Lagos Island fires as they push for stricter enforcement, functional hydrants, and stronger rescue capacity across the State.
The Lagos State House of Assembly has directed the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service to conduct regular fire risk assessments of high-rise buildings, public facilities, and markets to reduce casualties during emergencies.
The resolution followed a plenary session reviewing recent fire incidents at Afriland Towers and Emab Plaza on Lagos Island.
Moving the motion, Mr. Rauf Age-Sulaimon, representing Amuwo-Odofin Constituency II, urged the Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development and the Lagos State Safety Commission to step up enforcement of building regulations.
Lawmakers expressed concern over the unlawful conversion of public and residential spaces into commercial use and markets, warning that such practices obstruct rescue operations and worsen the impact of disasters. They also criticised the absence of fire hydrants in critical infrastructure, the use of substandard materials, and poor supervision by regulatory agencies, which they said pose serious risks to lives and property.
The House urged Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu to strengthen the operational capacity of fire and rescue divisions in Ikorodu, Badagry, Ikeja, Lagos Island, and Epe. Members also called for mandatory installation of functional fire hydrants in all buildings, especially in commercial areas.
Speaker Mudashiru Obasa expressed concern over the frequency of fire outbreaks on Lagos Island despite the presence of firefighting equipment.
The Assembly further recommended a stakeholders’ meeting to develop a long-term strategy for preventing recurrent fire incidents across the State.
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