Lagos Safety Commission Sensitises Sabo Market Traders, Declares Commitment to “Zero Incidents, Zero Loss”

 

By Kayode Olopade 

In its renewed drive to promote a culture of safety across Lagos markets, the Lagos State Safety Commission on Thursday embarked on a sensitisation campaign for traders at Ayangburen Sabo Market in Ikorodu, declaring its commitment to achieving “zero incidents, zero loss, and a safer Lagos for all.”

The campaign, themed “Promoting Safety Culture in Markets,” was led by the Director-General of the Commission, Mr. Lanre Mojola, who noted that as the yuletide approaches, markets such as Sabo remain critical to the state’s economy, making safety preparedness non-negotiable.

Mojola, represented by the Director of Administration and Human Resource, Dr (Mrs) Nike Akindele, expressed concern over recurring market fire incidents in Lagos, many of which he said were linked to preventable causes such as unsafe electrical wiring, generator misuse, poor storage practices, and lack of emergency readiness.

He emphasized that the Commission is working to reverse these trends through continuous sensitisation and the deployment of Market Safety Marshals who will serve as the first line of defence in identifying hazards and coordinating emergency responses.

“Safety is a shared responsibility,” the DG said. “I urge all shop owners to ensure proper electrical wiring, avoid overloading sockets, and switch off all electrical appliances after business hours. Every shop must have at least one functional fire extinguisher. Traders should also avoid open flames, unsafe fuel storage, and smoking within the market.”

The sensitisation session featured lectures by safety and fire prevention experts. Mr. Yinka Adebiyi delivered the first lecture titled “Safety in the Marketplace,” he urged the marketers to be more safety conscious, to switch off electrical appliances when not in use, avoid storage of harmful and substandard materials that can ignite fire while Engineer Wahab Ariyo spoke on “Fire Prevention in Markets,” highlighting practical steps to reduce fire risks.

A major highlight of the event was the inauguration of 12 Market Safety Marshals for Sabo Market by the Director of Administration and human resource, Dr Mrs Nike Akindele, and Head, Safety Training and Sensitisation, Mrs. Tosin Sobola, in her vote of thanks, thanked the traders for their support and presence, just as she urged traders to promptly report any identified hazards to the marshals, assuring them that the Commission remains committed to addressing their concerns.

In her remarks, the Iyaloja General of Sabo Market, Alhaja Mutiat Abeni Ojulari, expressed gratitude to the Commission for bringing the campaign to the market. She pledged to relay the safety messages to traders who were absent and ensure that all market members embrace safer practices.