Fire guts Customs office in Lagos

A devastating fire broke out on Monday at the Nigeria Customs Service, Western Marine Command office in Apapa, Lagos, completely destroying the building and its contents. The conflagration began around 10:23 a.m., triggered by an electrical surge in the conference room before rapidly spreading throughout the facility. Despite the rapidity of the blaze, on-duty staff tirelessly attempted to control the inferno until the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service personnel arrived at approximately 10:45 a.m. to provide critical assistance.

Deputy Comptroller of Customs, Timothy Jonah, who had just assumed his position at the command, expressed deep regret over the incident, stating that he had only just begun his duties when he witnessed the fire outbreak. While acknowledging the unfortunate nature of the event, Jonah emphasized its potential to bolster the command's operations and safety measures, asserting that every challenge, despite its negative connotations, presents an opportunity to improve.

He also pledged to establish a committee to investigate the root cause of the fire and vowed to implement enhanced safety protocols to avert similar occurrences in the future.