Korede Abdullah 
LAGOS, Nigeria – A fire outbreak has gutted parts of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) Western Marine Command office in Apapa, Lagos, destroying property and equipment estimated to be worth millions of naira.
The fire reportedly started at about 10:23 a.m. on Monday following an electrical surge in the conference room before spreading to other sections of the building.
Officers on duty initially attempted to contain the flames before personnel of the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service arrived at about 10:45 a.m. to join the firefighting operation.
The firefighters worked with Customs personnel to prevent the blaze from spreading to other parts of the facility.
The Deputy Comptroller of Customs, Timothy Jonah, who had just assumed duty at the command, described the incident as unfortunate. “I just resumed duty to take over, only to witness this fire outbreak,” Jonah said.
He, however, said the incident presented an opportunity for the command to review and strengthen its operational and safety procedures. “Every challenge, though negative, is an opportunity to strengthen our operations,” he added.
Jonah commended Customs officers who responded to the emergency and worked with the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service to contain the fire.
He said a committee would be constituted to investigate the cause of the outbreak and determine the extent of the damage. The committee will particularly examine the reported electrical surge believed to have triggered the fire.
Jonah assured that appropriate measures would be introduced to strengthen fire prevention and safety protocols at the command and reduce the risk of a recurrence.
The Western Marine Command oversees Customs operations within Nigeria’s western maritime corridor, making its facilities important to maritime enforcement and related operations.
About the Author
Hope Ajayi 
Mirian Gom 