Director General of National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), Mustapha Habib Ahmed, has enjoined Nigerians to be safety conscious in their activities to protect their lives and property.
The Agency boss also called on business owners to explore the need for insurance policy to recoup their losses in case of disasters.
Mr. Ahmed gave the charge during a working visit to the scene of Mandilas Building Fire in Lagos Island, Lagos State.
The Director General NEMA was represented by Director Search and Rescue NEMA Headquarters Abuja, Air Commodore Kennedy Mataluwo, in assessing the impacts of the fire disaster that occurred at the Building which has 14 floors of which 10 floors were affected by the fire.
The Director General was briefed by security officials on the scene led by DPO Ebute Ero Division CSP Agunloye Rotimi.
The NEMA boss also commiserated with the affected victims on behalf of the Federal Government
The building accommodates about 6,700 traders, 450 shops, 30 offices, 2 hotels, 5 restaurants according to the Iyaloja of the Atunwase International Market, Mandilas General, Alhaja Adeniji Rashidat, who briefed the representative of the Director General.
The fire was believed to have started at about 1100 hours on Sunday 21st January 2024 began at the first floor where an alleged electric welding activity was going on.
It was alleged that the people around did not notice the fire until it was too late before fire service was contacted. Ten floors were affected by the fire which was promptly brought under control by the Fire service.
The fire also spread to surrounding market stalls at Atunwase International Market with equal extensive damages as the main complex.
However, officials of Lagos State Safety Commission and Building Control Agency are on ground assessing the integrity of all buildings at the scene.
All structures affected have been locked down to prevent access to the shop for the safety of traders and the public.
Other agencies that were involved in the operations include: Lagos State Building Control Agency, Lagos Fire services, Red Cross, Nigeria Police, Neighbourhood watch, Lagos Island Local Government Sanitation Board, and officials of Lagos State Business District.
. TheWitness
