The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) commiserated with traders in Lagos over the fire that consumed goods worth millions of naira at the Mandilas building on Sunday.

NEMA boss Mustapha Habib Ahmed conveyed his message on Tuesday in Lagos during an on-the-spot assessment of the extent of the damage caused by the fire.

Mr Ahmed urged Nigerians to be safety conscious in their activities to protect their lives and property.

He also called on business owners to explore the need for an insurance policy to recoup their losses in case of disaster.

The director-general observed a lack of proper firefighting equipment that was supposed to be installed in the Mandilas building to respond to immediate fire challenges.

He also observed that the safety management of the building was quite a challenge.

According to him, a critical observation of the building shows too many attachments to the building.

“The adjoining buildings were too close and choked up. Most of the attachments need to be out so that there can be free movement of emergency responders,” Mr Ahmed said.

Upon arrival at the fire scene, the NEMA boss was briefed by security officials on the scene led by the divisional police officer, Ebute Ero Division CSP Agunloye Rotimi.

The NEMA boss also commiserated with the affected victims on behalf of the federal government.

The Iya Loja General of Mandilas and Atunwase International Market, Adeniji Rashidat, told Mr Ahmed that the building accommodated about 6,700 traders, 450 shops, 30 offices, two hotels, and five restaurants.

Ms Rashidat said the fire was believed to have started from the first floor.

She said the people around the market did not notice the fire until it was too late before the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service was contacted.

According to her, 10 floors were affected by the fire, which was promptly brought under control by the fire service.

She said the fire also spread to surrounding market stalls at Atunwase International Market, causing extensive damage equal to the main complex.

Ms Rashidat appealed to the federal government to assist the traders who lost property worth millions of naira.

Officials of the Lagos State Safety Commission and Building Control Agency were on the ground to assess 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.

Traders whose goods were destroyed were seen in clusters, watching helplessly as the fire continued 48 hours later.

(NAN)