Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has directed the indefinite closure of Dosumu Market following a fire incident on Tuesday that gutted over 15 buildings. The inferno, reportedly caused by a petrol generator explosion, led to the complete collapse of six structures.
Governor Sanwo-Olu visited the market on Thursday to assess the damage. He condemned the practice of converting residential buildings into storage facilities for hazardous materials, attributing the fire outbreak to such practices. The Governor vowed to hold those responsible for flouting building and safety regulations accountable.
“We will work with stakeholders to determine the appropriate level of support for those affected,” Governor Sanwo-Olu said. “We will expedite efforts to get them back on their feet. This recurring issue is unacceptable. The misuse of government resources through these preventable incidents cannot continue.”
Sanwo-Olu emphasized the mandatory nature of integrity tests for all remaining structures within the market. The market will stay closed until safety assessments are complete and ensure structural integrity. The Lagos Ministry of Physical Planning has been directed to intensify enforcement of building codes and prevent the misuse of residential properties.
The Dosumu Market fire comes just weeks after another fire incident destroyed three buildings at the intersection of Nnamdi Azikiwe in the Idumota area on March 20th.
