NLC Labels Lagos Fires As Products Of Negligence, Corruption, Failed Governance

The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has condemned the recent fire outbreaks on Lagos Island, including the blaze at the United Bank for Africa (UBA) Afriland Building that claimed at least six lives and injured many others.

The tragedy followed closely on another massive fire that destroyed numerous shops and warehouses in the same area, resulting in billions of Naira in losses.

Comrade Prince Adewale Adeyanju, Acting President of NLC, in a statement over the weekend , described the fires as avoidable disasters caused by systemic negligence, corruption, and poor safety standards.

He criticized both corporate institutions like UBA for failing to implement adequate safety measures and government agencies for their inadequate emergency responses. Adeyanju highlighted the distressing scenes of workers jumping from high-rise buildings during the UBA fire as evidence of glaring safety oversights.

The NLC boss also called attention to the endemic nature of fire outbreaks in Lagos markets and the repeated failure of state and federal authorities to protect citizens’ lives and property.

According to him, the fire services lack essential resources such as hydrants, equipment, and trained personnel, which contributes to recurring tragedies.

In response, the NLC demands an immediate and independent investigation into these fires, public disclosure of findings, and accountability for negligence, while calling for urgent upgrading of fire and emergency services nationwide, strict enforcement of safety regulations with penalties for violations, and adequate compensation for victims and their families.

The labour union leader condemned the prevailing governance model that prioritizes profits over people’s safety, urging a shift towards a system that values human life and welfare above revenue generation. The NLC leader affirmed its solidarity with the victims and pledged to continue advocating for a safer and more just Nigeria.

Additionally, Adeyanju commended the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) for its warnings about flood risks and urged proactive flood management and community evacuation plans to prevent recurring disasters caused by the Cameroonian Dam’s water release.

The immediate Past President General, Maritime Workers’ Union of Nigeria (MWUN) called  on all Nigerians to reject the acceptance of these fatal incidents, demanding a government and corporate culture that ensures safety, accountability, and protection of its citizens.

The NLC stressed the essential role of safeguarding lives and property as a cornerstone of social responsibility and sustainable national development.

“The NLC insists that Nigerian lives are not cheap! No worker should leave home in the morning and end up in the morgue because of preventable disasters. No trader should watch their sweat and blood go up in flames because those in charge of safety see governance as a business venture.

“No family should be left broken by a fire that could have been put out if only the building had functional hydrants or if the fire service had water in its tank or a ladder that worked and much more that they had vehicle that responded and arrived on time,”he noted.