By Femi ANAMELECHI
In What seemed like a unfortunate drama fire outbreak caused significant damage to property at the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) Western Marine Command in Apapa, Lagos, on Monday, shortly after newly deployed Deputy Comptroller of Customs, Timothy Jonah, assumed duty. The incident occurred at about 10:23am on Jonah’s first day at the command, where he had arrived to take over from his predecessor. Property worth millions of naira was destroyed in the fire.According to a News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) report, officers on duty responded to the outbreak and worked to contain the flames before personnel of the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service arrived at about 10:45am to assist in extinguishing the fire. The fire reportedly started in the conference room following an electrical surge and subsequently spread to other sections of the building.Speaking on the incident, Jonah described it as unfortunate, noting that he had just resumed when the fire broke out.He, however, said the incident could be used as an opportunity to strengthen the command’s operations, despite its negative impact.“Every challenge, though negative, is an opportunity to strengthen our operations,” Jonah said.Jonah said a committee would be constituted to investigate the cause of the fire. He commended the officers on duty for their swift response and collaboration with the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service during the incident.The new Customs commander also said measures would be implemented to strengthen safety protocols at the command and prevent a recurrence.
