Encomium
Following the Report of the Tribunal of Inquiry on Explosion and Fire incidents at Ojo-Giwa and Okoya areas of Lagos Island on 26th December, 2012, the Lagos State Government has considered the Tribunal’s recommendations regarding the causes of the incidents and ways of preventing such in future. Government decisions are as follows:
1. Government acknowledges the importance of fireworks in social life, as it is used in industrial concerns, such as mining, on festive occasions like Christmas, New Year, Anniversaries, etc and during sporting events. However, these fireworks are highly combustible and could be very dangerous. They must be used with strict adherence to relevant safety and security rules and in line with health guides so they do not become a threat to life and public order.
2. As prescribed by law, the sale, storage and handling of fireworks must be with the express permission of Government and in line with extant regulations. Also, health and safety rules require that all explosives to be sold, stored or distributed in Lagos State must bear a clear definition of its production details, contents, manufacturer’s address as well as clear instructions for its safe use in English Language.
3. To further strengthen these rules, government has directed the Ministry of Justice and the Political and Legislative Powers Bureau to make recommendations to the National Assembly on the Explosive Substances Bill which is currently under consideration.
4. Government has also directed the State’s Safety Commission and Fire Services to carry out regular inspection of storage facilities for fireworks and their distribution outlets so as to ensure storage in proper environment. They are also to hold regular meetings to sensitise market leaders at these locations.
5. Messrs Joseph Olabode Ibiwoye and Olaleken Semilore, suspected importers of the fireworks that caused the explosion and fire incidents at Ojo-Giwa and Okoya areas of Lagos Island on 26th December, 2012, as well as all other persons who may be found culpable in any other manner will be prosecuted by the State Attorney General to serve as a deterrent to others who do such businesses selfishly without consideration for law and public safety.
6. All markets and improvised warehouses for explosive materials in the Jankara, Ojo-Giwa, Okoya, Moshalashi areas should henceforth cease to operate as such while efforts will be made by government to create an urban warehouse in Jankara area. The Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development has been directed to implement these measures in collaboration with other relevant agencies of Government, ensuring that explosives are not stored illegally in residential buildings and other unauthorized locations. As a further step, the Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development is to conduct immediate inspection of warehouses currently being used, especially high-rise residential and office buildings which have been converted to commercial uses.
7. All those whose properties were burnt in the incident are free to rebuild, provided such reconstruction works are in accordance with the provisions of the State’s Urban and Regional Planning and Development Law 2010 as well as the Master Plan and Regeneration Plan for the area. Also, the Ministry of Works and Infrastructure is directed to subject affected buildings which were not earlier demolished, to structural integrity test to ascertain their suitability or otherwise for renovation and occupation.
8. The State Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development and the State’s Market Development Board shall collaborate with all relevant stakeholders to work out modalities for the establishment and location of commodity markets across the State. Location of all markets will, however, continue to be in accordance with extant laws and regulations. Also, the Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development will continue to ensure that all buildings and structures are erected in accordance with applicable laws and regulations.
9. Government notes the need for proper trading places and directs its Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development to expedite action on the implementation of the Lagos Island West Urban Redevelopment Plan, currently being implemented at Oluwole and Isale Gangan.
10. Government expresses appreciation to the Chairman and members of the Tribunal for their dedication to duty and well thought out recommendations.
SIGNED:
LATEEF IBIROGBA
COMMISSIONER FOR INFORMATION & STRATEGY
DECEMBER 18, 2013.
