The Director of Search and Rescue at the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), Air Commodore Usman Bature, on Thursday led a multi-agency rapid site assessment at the Great Niger House building on Marina, Lagos Island, which was recently ravaged by fire.
The assessment was carried out as rescue and response operations continue at the scene, amid concerns over the structural integrity of the damaged building. The NEMA South-West Zonal Director is also in Lagos, working alongside the Director of Search and Rescue to reinforce coordination efforts being led by the agency’s Lagos Operations Office.
Speaking during the assessment, Air Commodore Bature said the exercise was necessary to guarantee the safety of responders operating at the site, given the extent of structural damage and the volume of debris within and around the building. He explained that the visit would also help determine the level of technical support required to strengthen ongoing rescue operations.
He commended the Lagos State Government and all responding agencies for their swift response and professionalism, noting that the magnitude of the incident calls for sustained collaboration and joint mobilisation of resources by government institutions and relevant private sector organisations.
Bature also urged members of the public to rely on verified information and refrain from spreading unconfirmed reports about the incident, stressing the importance of accurate communication during emergency situations.
The joint assessment involved personnel from NEMA, the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA), the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service, the Federal Fire Service, the Nigeria Police Force, the Lagos State Building Control Agency, as well as representatives of the media.
Meanwhile, NEMA confirmed that a response team from its Lagos Operations Office has been permanently stationed at the scene to provide continuous support and ensure effective coordination of the ongoing multi-agency emergency response.
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