The Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service has moved to sanction companies found violating fire safety regulations across Lagos State, following inspections that revealed several breaches capable of increasing the risk of fire outbreaks in industrial facilities.
According to the statement by the agency, the inspections, which targets major industrial hubs across Lagos State, involves on-the-spot inspections aimed at ensuring that facilities meet required fire safety standards.
To get ahead of the danger, the Controller General of the service, Margaret Abimbola Adeseye, led a team of experts on a surprise inspection tour of big industrial hubs, including the Amuwo-Odofin Industrial Layout and businesses along the Badagry Expressway.
The inspections form part of efforts by the service to strengthen the protection of lives, property and the environment, especially as authorities respond to a growing number of fire emergencies within the industrial and commercial sectors.
During the inspections, Adeseye said the Lagos State Government has adopted a strict stance against fire safety negligence in industrial facilities.
The assessment focused on several key fire safety requirements, including the valid fire safety documents, insurance papers, level of emergency preparedness, the condition and functionality of firefighting equipment, and the safety of storage arrangements within the facilities.
While some companies passed the test, Mrs. Adeseye expressed disappointment that many others companies are non-compliance with the basic fire safety requirements. While some organisations were found to have maintained acceptable safety standards, several others were discovered to have serious lapses in basic fire safety measures.
The Controller General noted that some facilities had poor storage arrangements, inadequate ventilation systems, and blocked gangways, conditions which she said could significantly increase the risk of fire outbreaks.
“Several companies demonstrated poor adherence to basic fire safety requirements. While a few organisations maintained acceptable standards, others had inadequate storage arrangements, poor ventilation systems, and obstructed gangways, all of which could pose serious fire risks.” She said
She stressed that all companies visited during the exercise must cooperate with the agency and ensure that the recommendations given during the inspection are fully implemented.
According to her, companies that fail to comply with the safety requirements would face enforcement actions and possible sanctions.
“All companies visited must cooperate with the agency and ensure that the recommendations made during the inspections are strictly adhered to, after which enforcement and sanctions will be taken against them.” She warned.
The inspection exercise covered a wide range of businesses operating within the industrial corridor.
Among the facilities visited were the logistics and showroom sections of Bijoux Building Company, Sweet Home Bathroom Limited and Adems Market.
The enforcement team also carried out safety checks in manufacturing and temperature-controlled facilities, including the cold rooms at Premium Aquaculture Limited and the production lines at PrimaQq Corporation Limited, a company that produces PET preforms and caps.
Further inspections were carried out at Lacasera Company Plc (Plant 2) and Ovas Luxury Doors.
The team also conducted an extensive audit of the Primlaks Nigeria Group, which included safety checks at Paramount Frozen Foods Limited, Venus Processing and Packaging Limited and Best Store.
The exercise, which is still ongoing, is part of a wider statewide enforcement drive by the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service to ensure that industrial and commercial facilities comply with fire safety regulations.
Adeseye reiterated that the agency remains committed to preventing avoidable industrial disasters through strict enforcement of safety standards.
Lagos Fire Service moves to sanction companies over safety breaches
