The Lagos State House of Assembly has expressed concern over the growing number of fire outbreaks and building collapses across the state, calling for stronger safety enforcement and faster emergency response.
Lawmakers urged Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu to convene a stakeholders’ meeting with agencies like the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service, LASEMA, LASAMBUS, and others to develop a long-term strategy for disaster prevention.
They also called for full operational capacity at fire stations in Ikorodu, Badagry, Ikeja, Lagos Island, and Epe, and demanded the installation of functional fire hydrants in all commercial buildings.
Hon. Rauf Age-Suleimon (Amuwo-Odofin 2) praised the government’s efforts to upgrade fire services but warned that “the unlawful conversion of public and residential spaces into markets and commercial areas has put additional pressure on emergency response.”
Lawmakers blamed repeated disasters on poor regulation, non-compliance with safety laws, and use of substandard building materials.
“These factors continue to pose real risks to lives and property in our state,” members noted, citing recent fatal incidents at Atunan Toa and Ema Plaza.
Speaker Mudashiru Obasa called for stricter enforcement of safety standards and urged the Fire and Rescue Service to “conduct regular fire risk assessments in markets, public spaces, and high-risk buildings.”
