LASG Cautions Against Storing Fuel Unsafely in Markets.

The Lagos State Government has issued a renewed warning to market operators against unsafe fuel storage and smoking within market premises, as the Lagos State Safety Commission on Thursday extended its awareness campaign to Ayangburen Sabo Market in Ikorodu.

The commission reaffirmed its commitment to achieving “zero incidents, zero loss, and a safer Lagos for all.”

The campaign, themed “Promoting Safety Culture in Markets,” was led by the Director-General of the commission, Mr. Lanre Mojola. He noted that with the Yuletide approaching, markets such as Sabo play a crucial role in the state’s economy, making safety preparedness essential.

Represented by the Director of Administration and Human Resources, Dr. Nike Akindele, Mojola expressed concern over recurring market fire incidents in Lagos, many linked to preventable causes such as unsafe electrical wiring, generator misuse, improper storage practices, and lack of emergency preparedness. He stressed that the commission is working to address these issues through continuous sensitisation and the deployment of Market Safety Marshals, who will act as the first line of defence in identifying hazards and coordinating emergency responses.

“Safety is a shared responsibility,” the DG said. “I urge all shop owners to ensure proper electrical wiring, avoid overloading sockets, and switch off appliances after business hours. Every shop must have at least one functional fire extinguisher. Traders should also refrain from open flames, unsafe fuel storage, and smoking within the market.”

The awareness session included lectures by safety and fire prevention experts. Yinka Adebiyi delivered the first lecture, titled “Safety in the Marketplace,” encouraging traders to be more safety conscious, turn off electrical appliances when not in use, and avoid storing hazardous or substandard materials that could ignite fires.

A key highlight of the event was the inauguration of 12 Market Safety Marshals for Sabo Market.

In her remarks, the Iyaloja General of Sabo Market, Alhaja Mutiat Ojulari, pledged to convey the safety messages to absent traders and ensure that all market members adopt safer practices.