Nigeria Labour Congress challenges response to Lagos Island fire
NEMA wins NIPR’s Outstanding Crisis Communication in Government Award
The Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR) Lagos State Chapter has recognised the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) with the award of most Outstanding Crisis Communication in Government for the Agency’s flood preparedness and Response Campaign in 2024.
The award was presented by Chairman of the State Chapter of NIPR, Comfort Obot Nwankwo, to the Director General NEMA, Zubaida Umar, in Abuja.
Chairman of the State Chapter of NIPR, Comfort Obot Nwankwo’s statement
The NIPR Chairman, Comfort Obot Nwankwo said: “The NEMA campaign stood out for its innovative and effective communication strategies, utilizing digital platforms, public engagement, and timely updates to educate the public and coordinate responses during Nigeria’s annual flood seasons.”
Director General Nema, Zubaida Umar
Responding, the Director General NEMA, Zubaida Umar, appreciated the NIPR for the award and dedicated it to staff of the Agency across the country for their commitment to work.
NEMA given NIPR award: Summary
NEMA has been awarded by the NIPR for having an Outstanding Crisis Communication in Government for the Agency’s flood preparedness and Response Campaign in 2024.
Lagos International Fire Safety Conference 2024 set for June at Balmoral Convention Center
Explore fire safety innovations at the Lagos International Fire Safety Conference 2024
Scheduled for June 25-27, 2024, the Lagos International Fire Safety Conference will take place at the Balmoral Convention Center, located within the Federal Palace Hotel & Casino on Victoria Island.
This event is themed “Stakeholders Collaboration: A Panacea to Incessant Fire Disasters in Lagos” and aims to foster collaboration and innovation among fire safety professionals.
Rising fire incidents: a call for action
Recent statistics from the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service show a sharp increase in fire-related emergencies, with distress calls nearly doubling from 1,195 in 2021 to 2,537 in 2023.
The human and material losses have also escalated, with the latest figures showing 82 lives lost and properties worth N25.37 billion destroyed in 2023 alone.
These alarming trends underscore the urgent need for improved fire safety measures and enhanced public awareness.
Conference highlights and objectives
The conference will address these challenges through a series of enlightening workshops, panel discussions, and exhibitions focused on disaster risk management and dangerous goods handling.
The Governor of Lagos State, Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu, will deliver the welcome address and engage with attendees on the state’s efforts in fire safety.
“Safety and preparedness are at the core of our industry’s focus,” said a conference spokesperson.
“This event will provide attendees with the tools and knowledge they need to protect lives and properties.”
Strengthening fire safety measures in Lagos: A collaborative effort between LSFRS and NBC
Lagos fire service visits NBC to promote safety cooperation
The leadership of the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service (LSFRS) has recently visited the headquarters of the Nigerian Bottling Company (NBC) at Lateef Jakande Road, Agidingbi Ikeja, Lagos.
This visit aims to strengthen cooperation in advancing fire safety measures within the company and its surrounding areas.
During the visit, the Director of the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service, Margaret Adeseye, highlighted the importance of proactive safety measures to prevent fire disasters.
She noted an increase in fire incidents, with 536 reported cases between January and February 2024.
Upcoming Lagos International Fire Safety Conference
Margaret Adeseye briefed the NBC team on the forthcoming Lagos International Fire Safety Conference, scheduled for May 2024.
She encouraged NBC staff to actively participate in the workshop sessions during the conference.
Adeseye mentioned that the conference would offer valuable insights into the latest inventions, equipment, and knowledge-sharing essential for fire safety.
This initiative aims to enhance both company operations and employee well-being.
Adeseye also reminded NBC of the mandatory requirement for all companies to acquire fire safety certification, emphasising the importance of adhering to regulations for the safety of operations, employees, and stakeholders.
NBC’s commitment to fire safety and certification
In response to the LSFRS’s initiative, Adetoba Idris, leading the NBC team, warmly welcomed the visiting delegation, acknowledging the importance of prioritising safety measures to protect operations and the communities served.
Idris assured the LSFRS team of NBC’s readiness to prevent fire and related emergencies, reiterating the company’s commitment to fulfilling certification requirements.
Furthermore, Idris affirmed NBC’s prompt engagement in the documentation processes for certification, pledging effective communication with the company’s management for necessary action.
Lagos launches fire safety campaign in markets
Lagos State has initiated a fire safety awareness programme in various markets to educate traders on fire prevention and safety measures.
This move comes in response to the considerable losses experienced in the state due to fire incidents.
Officials address traders on fire safety
During an outreach that brought together officials from the Ministry of Special Duties, Lagos Safety Commission (LSC), and Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service, traders received vital information on how to avert fire incidents.
The Commissioner for Special Duties, Mr.
Gbenga Oyerinde, highlighted the importance of the campaign: “The losses recorded in the state as a result of fire informed the campaign.”
He further explained the campaign’s reach: “Today we are with the timber sector. We will meet mechanics. We will reach markets where they sell things. We will hold stakeholders forum…”
Emphasis on prevention over response
Lanre Mojola, the Director General of LSC, stressed the significance of prevention: “We bring the message of safety to the grassroots.
“Like we say, prevention is better than cure. It is better to prevent fire than fight the fire, because when you fight the fire, many things happen. First is loss of lives, second is damage to property.
“This is why we are in the markets to talk to them about fire prevention and safety measures.”
A call to action amidst rising fire outbreaks
Margaret Adeseye, the Director of Fire and Rescue Service, expressed concern over the frequency of fire incidents, noting that “2,583 outbreaks were recorded last year.”
She also mentioned the service received 251 emergency calls in January alone, attributing the increase to negligence and delayed reporting.
IFSJ Comment
The initiative by Lagos State to enhance fire safety awareness among market traders is a commendable step towards mitigating the risk of fire incidents.
By focusing on education and preventive measures, the state authorities aim to reduce the likelihood of fire outbreaks, thereby safeguarding lives and property.
This proactive approach not only addresses the immediate concerns related to fire safety but also fosters a culture of preparedness and caution among the community, especially in high-risk areas like markets.
It is essential for such campaigns to be ongoing and for their messages to reach as wide an audience as possible, ensuring that all sectors of the community are equipped with the knowledge to prevent fire incidents effectively.
Lagos State embarks on fire safety sensitisation campaign for market traders
Strengthening fire safety awareness among market traders
The Lagos State Safety Commission, in collaboration with the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service, has launched a fire safety sensitisation campaign targeting market traders, especially during the ember months and the yuletide season.
This initiative was flagged off at the Balogun Market on Lagos Island, highlighting the urgency of fire safety during peak trading periods.
Recent incidents in Lagos prompt preventative measures
The recent tragic fire incidents in several Lagos markets have underscored the need for heightened fire safety awareness.
Notably, a fire at the Ladipo plank market in the Orile-Iganmu area led to the destruction of 300 shops and significant losses for over 1,000 traders.
This disaster, among others, has intensified efforts by the state government to prevent similar occurrences in the future.
Key safety measures and emergency response
The campaign emphasises essential safety precautions such as the removal of combustible materials, unplugging of electrical appliances when not in use, and avoidance of overloading electrical circuits.
The Director General of the Safety Commission, Mr. Lanre Mojola, and the Director of the Lagos Fire and Rescue Services, Mrs. Margaret Adeseye, stressed the importance of these measures and the need for prompt emergency response.
Traders are encouraged to report any fire incidents immediately using the state’s emergency toll-free numbers, 767 or 112.
Expanding the reach of fire safety education
The campaign is not limited to Balogun Market but will extend to around 20 markets across Lagos State.
The comprehensive effort aims to instil a culture of safety in marketplaces, influencing both traders and customers.
The initiative, themed “Mitigating Fire Risk through Fire Prevention,” is part of a broader effort to reach various public segments and grassroots communities.
IFSJ Comment
The proactive steps taken by the Lagos State Safety Commission and the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service in launching this fire safety sensitisation campaign are commendable.
By focusing on market traders, a group particularly vulnerable to fire hazards due to the nature of their work and environment, the campaign addresses a critical need in fire safety education.
The recent incidents in Lagos markets serve as a stark reminder of the devastating impact fires can have on communities and economies.