The Lagos State Safety Commission, in a Sunday advisory, stressed the need for residents to be mindful, issuing a warning against the reckless handling and storage of combustible materials.
This cautionary alert follows closely on the heels of the Ibadan explosion, which occurred approximately a week ago and was attributed to the reported storage of dynamites by an illegal miner in a residential neighborhood.
The state Commissioner for Special Duties and Intergovernmental Relations, Olugbenga Oyerinde, and Director General of the Lagos State Safety Commission, Lanre Mojola, jointly issued a statement underscoring the necessity for increased safety awareness when dealing with these items.
‘It has become imperative to alert the public to the need to be more safety conscious; the risks inherent in transporting and handling combustible materials, fuels, chemicals and other dangerous goods are huge, leading to quantum loss of lives, property and litigations,’ Oyerinde said.
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While stating that the value of life could not be quantified, Mojola noted that the safety commission had commenced a ‘Safety for all’ campaign aimed at making safety a priority for every Lagosian.
‘This campaign focuses on raising awareness and encouraging proactive safety measures in personal, occupational and business contexts,’ he said.
‘Stockpiles of chemicals and combustibles carry the risk of explosions and fire outbreaks under excessive temperature and pressure,’ Mojola stated, adding that ‘our safety and that of our neighbours is sacrosanct.’
In his counsel, he urged the public to assume responsibility, highlighting the significance of personal accountability.
‘When you see something, please say something. An injury to one is an injury to all,’ the safety commission DG said.
He Highlighted the need for expertise, encouraging artisans and tradesmen to seek professional advice regarding the proper handling and transfer of combustibles within the state. Furthermore, he called on the public to promptly inform the commission about any storage of hazardous materials.