Lagos Traders Demand Fire Emergency Fund for Victims

Traders in Lagos, represented by Chinedu Ukatu, President of the Ndigboamaka Progressive Market Association, have called for the establishment of a fire emergency fund by the Lagos State Government. This fund would support businesses that have suffered losses due to fire outbreaks, enabling affected traders to resume operations quickly.

Ukatu proposed that the fund, involving the state government, market associations, and private-sector organizations, could provide immediate financial assistance of one to three million naira within 28 hours of an incident. He also raised concerns about land grabbers sabotaging markets and urged the government to investigate major fire incidents.

The state deputy governor, Kadri Obafemi Hamzat, represented by Margaret Adeseye, Director-General of the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service, emphasized the importance of trained personnel and infrastructure investment. He noted the recruitment of 685 personnel from 2019 to 2026 and stressed the need for building owners to comply with fire safety regulations.

Emperor Chris Baywood Ibe, founder of Baywood Group, highlighted the documentary's focus on gaps in fire prevention and emergency response.