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By Steve Agbota
A fire outbreak on Monday gutted the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) Western Marine Command office in Apapa, Lagos, destroying property reportedly worth millions of naira.
The fire, which started at about 10:23am, was reportedly triggered by an electrical surge in the conference room before spreading to other sections of the building.
Officers on duty made frantic efforts to contain the blaze before personnel of the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service arrived at about 10:45am to join the firefighting operation.
The Deputy Comptroller of Customs, Timothy Jonah, who had just assumed duty at the command, described the incident as unfortunate.
Jonah, who was taking over from his predecessor when the incident occurred, said the fire outbreak would be investigated to determine its cause.
He said, “I just resumed duty to take over, only to witness this fire outbreak.
“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.”
Jonah commended the officers on duty for their swift response and their collaboration with the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service in containing the fire.
He added that measures would be taken to strengthen safety protocols at the command and prevent a recurrence.
