In the early hours of Tuesday, January 20, 2026, a one‑storey commercial building housing computer dealers on Somoye Osundairo Street, Computer Village, Ikeja, Lagos was razed by a devastating fire, destroying goods worth millions of naira. The blaze was reported around 1:55 a.m., and responders from the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA) arrived at the scene by 2:15 a.m., only to find the structure already engulfed in flames, fuelled by the high volume of combustible electronics inside.

According to LASEMA’s Permanent Secretary, Dr. Olufemi Oke‑Osanyintolu, no lives were lost in the incident, but one firefighter sustained minor injuries and received treatment on site. The intense combustion quickly spread across the building’s upper floor, leading to a total loss of goods, including computers and accessories, and prompting an ongoing investigation into the cause of the fire.

This fire is not an isolated incident. Over the past festive season and beyond, Lagos has seen multiple significant fire outbreaks in commercial and market areas, raising serious concerns about fire safety standards and enforcement.

Arena Market, Oshodi: In late December 2025, a fire gutted a section of this busy market, destroying about 10 shops stocked with clothing materials, despite a swift response from the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service.

Balogun Market, Lagos Island: On Christmas Eve 2025, a massive blaze broke out at the Great Nigeria House within the market, consuming property and sending thick smoke into the sky during the peak holiday shopping period.

Ladipo Market, Mushin: Earlier in February 2025, a midnight fire destroyed warehouse and multiple shops in this sprawling market, with initial assessments pointing to electrical issues as a likely trigger.

These incidents highlight a troubling trend of frequent and costly fire outbreaks in and around Lagos markets, particularly during peak commercial and festive periods. The losses suffered by traders are not just financial; they erode livelihoods, disrupt supply chains, and deepen economic insecurity for many families.

The Computer Village fire coming so soon after recent market infernos points to a broader need for improved fire prevention, regulation, and infrastructure. Lagos State authorities and emergency agencies must:

Conduct comprehensive fire safety audits of major markets and commercial districts.

Enforce building codes, electrical standards, and emergency exit plans.

Invest in modern fire fighting equipment and training for rapid response teams.

Educate traders and property owners on risk reduction and preparedness.

Ensure houses are not built too closely as to reduce the quick spread of fire during such incidents.

Without urgent action and accountability, Lagos risks repeating the same pattern of avoidable disasters, devastating communities and undermining confidence in public safety systems. The people deserve better protection, stronger regulation, and reliable enforcement to prevent future fire outbreaks.