Fire Guts Customs Office, Destroys Property Worth Millions

A fire outbreak has gutted the Nigeria Customs Service Western Marine Command office in Apapa, Lagos, destroying property estimated at millions of naira.

The fire reportedly started at about 10:23am on Monday following an electrical surge in the conference room before spreading to other sections of the building.

The News Agency of Nigeria reports that officers on duty made frantic efforts to contain the fire before officials of the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service arrived at about 10:45am.

The Deputy Comptroller of Customs, Timothy Jonah, who had just resumed at the command to take over from his predecessor, described the incident as unfortunate.

Jonah said, “I just resumed duty to take over, only to witness this fire outbreak.

“Every challenge, though negative, is an opportunity to strengthen our operations.

“In the meantime, we will set up a committee to investigate the cause of the fire.”

The deputy comptroller commended the swift response of personnel on duty and their collaboration with the fire service in containing the outbreak.

He added that measures would be taken to strengthen safety protocols and prevent a recurrence.