A significant fire incident broke out earlier today at a chemical manufacturing facility in a Lagos industrial estate, ravaging the primary plant and several adjoining structures.
Emergency fire crews responded to the blaze as thick plumes of smoke billowed over the district, forcing road closures and disrupting local traffic.
Residents and workers in the vicinity were evacuated as the inferno spread rapidly through storage units containing combustible materials.
Eyewitness reports suggest that the fire may have originated from an electrical fault or an unattended heat source inside the main production unit, although official investigations are ongoing.
Fire service officials said containment efforts were complicated by the presence of hazardous chemical drums and plastic packaging materials that intensified flames and posed risks of toxic fumes.
No confirmed casualties have been reported, but several first responders were treated for smoke inhalation on site.
Lagos State emergency management authorities warned nearby communities to avoid the area as air quality deteriorated during peak blaze activity. Analysts warn that Nigeria’s expanding industrial sector requires more robust safety infrastructure, including firebreak systems and regular compliance audits to prevent industrial fires.
The Lagos State Government promised a full inquiry and pledged support to displaced workers and businesses affected by the fire. Local traders expressed concern that the loss of infrastructure could further strain supply chains already disrupted by broader economic pressures.
