An unexpected fire outbreak in the early hours of Sunday destroyed at least 48 shops at the Elegushi Model Market in Lekki, Lagos State.
The incident has left traders counting losses and raised fresh concerns about market fire safety.
According to the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency, LASEMA, the fire was reported around 2 a.m. Emergency responders were immediately deployed to the scene.
However, by the time they arrived, the market complex had already been engulfed in flames.
The Permanent Secretary of LASEMA, Olufemi Oke-Osanyintolu, confirmed the incident in an official statement.
He said swift action by emergency teams helped to stop the fire from spreading beyond the affected section of the market.
“The fire started from one of the makeshift stalls within the market compound and rapidly escalated to the main building.
The exact cause is yet to be determined. Thankfully, no lives were lost, and no one was injured. Coordinated efforts by all stakeholders ensured the fire was completely extinguished and prevented it from affecting neighbouring structures,” he said.
Preliminary findings by LASEMA’s Shark Response Team showed that the blaze began from a temporary stall before spreading to nearby shops. However, investigations are still ongoing to determine the exact trigger.
Meanwhile, traders watched helplessly as goods worth millions of naira were destroyed. Many shop owners arrived at the scene at dawn to find their livelihoods reduced to ashes. Despite the scale of destruction, authorities confirmed that no casualties were recorded.
A post-disaster assessment later carried out by LASEMA revealed that a total of 48 shops were affected by the fire. Moreover, nearby buildings were spared due to quick containment efforts by emergency responders.
Reacting to the incident, Oke-Osanyintolu stressed the need for stronger fire prevention measures in markets across Lagos.
He said traders were educated on safety steps that could help reduce fire outbreaks.
“Traders were sensitised on fire safety measures. The market union was advised to strategically position fire extinguishers to manage minor incidents before they escalate,” he said. “Shop owners were further urged to install smoke detectors and fire alarms and remain vigilant against potential fire outbreaks.”
Furthermore, the incident has again highlighted the recurring problem of market fires in Nigeria, especially as the dry season approaches.
Fire disasters have remained common across the country. In addition, limited firefighting equipment in some states has made emergency response more challenging.
Therefore, safety experts continue to urge traders and market associations to prioritise fire preparedness. Improved awareness, early detection systems, and proper equipment could help prevent future losses.
