A fire outbreak has dealt a heavy blow to the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) Western Marine Command office in Apapa, Lagos, destroying properties worth millions of naira.

The incident occurred on Monday morning, September 28, 2026, catching staff off guard just as leadership transition was underway.

Key Highlights of the Incident

  • Cause: Preliminary reports indicate the fire started from an electrical surge in the conference room.

  • Timeline: The flames broke out at approximately 10:23 a.m. before quickly spreading to other parts of the facility.

  • Response: Officers on duty made frantic initial efforts to curb the blaze. The Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service arrived at the scene by 10:45 a.m. to support containment efforts.

  • Casualties: Fortunately, no major casualties were reported, though material losses run into millions of naira.

A Dramatic Welcome for the New Boss

The timing of the disaster added a layer of shock to the command. The newly posted Deputy Comptroller of Customs, Timothy Jonah, had just arrived at the office to officially take over affairs from his predecessor when the fire struck.

Reacting to the unfortunate event, Jonah remarked:

"I just resumed duty to take over, only to witness this fire outbreak. Every challenge, though negative, is an opportunity to strengthen our operations."

Next Steps and Safety Review

Despite the setback, the Deputy Comptroller praised the swift response of the officers on duty and their seamless collaboration with the state fire service.

To prevent future occurrences, the command has announced plans to:

  • Establish an investigative committee to determine the exact root cause of the electrical surge.

  • Upgrade safety protocols across the facility to safeguard personnel and assets moving forward.

What are your thoughts on strengthening electrical safety and disaster preparedness in public buildings across Nigeria? Let's discuss in the comments below!