Lagos begins crackdown on industrial safety violations

By Florencemary Nwabueze

The Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service has begun a compliance enforcement exercise across major industrial corridors in the state following concerns over fire outbreaks and safety violations in industrial and commercial facilities.

The enforcement operation, led by the agency’s Controller General, Mrs. Margaret Abimbola Adeseye, was carried out on Tuesday at the Amuwo-Odofin Industrial Layout and along the Badagry Expressway. Officials conducted on-the-spot assessments of high-risk facilities to evaluate their preparedness for fire emergencies.

In a statement signed by the Service’s Senior Public Affairs Officer, Maria Fadairo, the agency said the exercise was prompted by increasing reports of fire incidents in Lagos, leading the state government to strengthen regulatory oversight of industries and commercial establishments.

According to the statement, inspection teams assessed facilities based on key fire safety standards, including the validity of fire safety documentation, insurance coverage, readiness of firefighting equipment, emergency preparedness, and proper storage arrangements.

Speaking during the exercise, Adeseye said the Lagos State Government had adopted a zero-tolerance approach to fire safety violations, warning companies to comply strictly with safety regulations or face sanctions.

She noted that while some companies maintained acceptable safety standards, others were found lacking in critical areas such as poor storage arrangements, inadequate ventilation systems and blocked gangways, which could pose fire risks.

Adeseye urged companies inspected during the exercise to cooperate with the agency and address observations raised by the inspection team. She warned that failure to comply with safety recommendations could lead to enforcement actions and sanctions.

Facilities inspected during the operation included logistics and showroom spaces of Bijoux Building Company, Sweet Home Bathroom Limited and Adems Market. The team also assessed manufacturing and temperature-controlled facilities, including the cold room at Premium Aquaculture Limited and production lines at Prima Corporation Limited, a manufacturer of PET preforms and caps.

Additional inspections were conducted at Lacasera Company Plc (Plant 2) and Ovas Luxury Doors, as well as facilities under the Primlaks Nigeria Group, including Paramount Frozen Foods Limited, Venus Processing and Packaging Limited and Best Store.

Adeseye said the enforcement exercise is part of a broader statewide campaign aimed at preventing industrial disasters and ensuring compliance with fire safety standards.

She reiterated that the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service remains committed to safeguarding lives and property while promoting safe industrial operations across the state.