A devastating fire has swept through Mandilas Market on Lagos Island, destroying four buildings and reducing about 200 shops to ashes. The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) confirmed the incident in a statement on its official X handle, saying the blaze began late Tuesday night and raged into Wednesday morning before it was brought under control.
Preliminary investigations revealed that the fire started around 7 p.m. on Tuesday from a faulty changeover switch inside one of the buildings. Within minutes, the flames spread to nearby structures, fueled by highly flammable items such as clothing, footwear, and plastics that dominate the market’s trade.
NEMA reported that combined emergency teams, including the Federal Fire Service, Lagos State Fire Service, Lagos State Emergency Management Agency Response Unit, and other stakeholders, battled through the night to contain the inferno. Their coordinated efforts prevented the destruction from spreading further.
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Despite the scale of the fire, no lives were lost. One person was hospitalized for smoke inhalation and is currently receiving treatment at a nearby facility. The Nigeria Police Force was also deployed to secure the area, prevent looting, and maintain public order as the fire raged.
The Head of NEMA in Lagos commended the swift collaboration of the emergency agencies, praising their resilience and round-the-clock work to contain the flames. He further reassured affected traders that the agency will provide support while intensifying fire safety awareness campaigns across Lagos markets.
“This incident is a stark reminder of the dangers in congested commercial hubs where combustible goods are stored. NEMA will continue to work with all stakeholders to protect lives, property, and livelihoods,” the statement read.
The Mandilas Market fire once again raises concerns about fire safety in Lagos’s major trading centers, where poor electrical infrastructure, overcrowding, and the presence of flammable goods have made fire outbreaks an all-too-frequent tragedy.
