The Lagos State Government, through the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency, LASEMA, has started the controlled destruction of the fire-damaged structure on Martins Street in Lagos Island.
Dr Olufemi Oke-Osanyintolu, LASEMA’s Permanent Secretary, said this in a statement released to the News Agency of Nigeria on Friday in Lagos.
He said the “exercise followed a comprehensive structural assessment and would be carried out in line with international best practices in urban safety, disaster risk management and public health protection.”
Oke-Osanyintolu “advised traders, residents, customers and members of the public to comply strictly with all safety directives” during the demolition.
He stated that the impacted building and its immediate surrounds had been labelled a restricted and hazardous zone.
He said that “no unauthorised person should enter the premises, while traders and customers should keep a safe distance to avoid injuries from falling debris or possible structural collapse.”
He also stated that all trading, parking, loading, and other business activity around the building had been halted until the area was deemed safe by the appropriate authorities.
The permanent secretary stated that the “site had been barricaded with warning signs, and security personnel had been deployed to prevent unauthorised access and manage crowds. Security personnel had been deployed to prevent unauthorised access and manage crowds.”
He stated that the demolition contractor would do a final structural examination before beginning work to guarantee full compliance with existing safety rules.
According to him, the site will remain “cordoned off throughout the operation, with dust suppression measures as well as traffic and pedestrian management plans in place”.
Oke-Osanyintolu said all individuals on site must wear proper personal protective equipment, while operators of heavy gear must ensure that all equipment is certified fit for use.
He stated that emergency responders, including the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service, the Lagos State Ambulance Service, and first-aid professionals, would be on standby during the exercise.
He further stated that the demolition team would collaborate with the Lagos State Building Control Agency, the Nigerian Police Force, the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority, the Lagos State Neighbourhood Safety Corps, and other relevant agencies.
The permanent secretary stated that ongoing public awareness campaigns would be carried out to deter residents, dealers, and visitors from congregating around the site until the exercise was completed.
He acknowledged Martins Street’s economic importance to the Lagos Island business community but added that preventative steps were required to protect lives and property.
Oke-Osanyintolu urged citizens to cooperate with security and emergency personnel and advised them to report safety issues to LASEMA response units or the emergency toll-free numbers 112 and 767.
He commended the Martins Street community for their patience, understanding, and cooperation while the government worked to restore safety and normalcy in the area.
