Just In: Fire Guts Customs Western Marine Command Office in Apapa

Panic on Monday morning as fire gutted the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) Western Marine Command office in Apapa, Lagos.

The fire reportedly started at about 10:23am following a suspected electrical surge in the conference room before spreading to other sections of the building.

Eyewitness said thick smoke was seen coming out of the building, but officers on duty reportedly made efforts to contain the blaze before officials of the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service arrived at about 11:45am.

The incident was reported to have occurred shortly after Deputy Comptroller of Customs Timothy Jonah took over helms of leadership of the Command from his predecessor, Comptroller Patrick Ntadi.

“DC Jonah described the incident as unfortunate, saying he had just resumed duty when the fire broke out.

“I just resumed duty to take over, only to witness this fire outbreak,” the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) quoted Jonah as saying.

Despite the incident, the new helmsman said the command would use the situation as an opportunity to strengthen its operations and review its safety measures.

“Every challenge, though negative, is an opportunity to strengthen our operations. In the meantime, we will set up a committee to investigate the cause of the fire,” NAN report.

He commended the officers on duty for their swift response and collaboration with the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service in containing the blaze.

Jonah said the command would take measures to strengthen its safety protocols and prevent a recurrence.

As at the time of filing this report, the extent of damage caused by the fire was not disclosed, as the proposed committee to be set up by the management, is expected to investigate the circumstances surrounding the outbreak.

 

 

Report by ZAINAB JUNAID 

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