Substandard electrical appliances are the major cause of fire in Lagos, the Lagos State Government has said.

The government added that incessant fire incidents in the state, which had led to loss of lives and property, were of concern to the Governor Akinwunmi Ambode-led administration.

It urged the Standard Organisation of Nigeria to probe the quality of electrical appliances coming into the country.


 
The Commissioner for Special Duties and Intergovernmental Relations, Mr. Oluseye Oladejo, who made the remarks on Thursday, explained that preliminary investigation by the Lagos State Fire Service and other relevant agencies revealed that substandard electrical appliances that were installed in buildings, in most cases, triggered fire incidents.

He added that the call on the SON to beam its searchlight on imported electrical appliances, therefore, was necessary, as all hands must be on deck to forestall future occurrences.

Oladejo said, “Lagosians are also advised to be vigilant and look out for quality electrical appliances in the market, as well as ensure that they patronise only qualified electricians to install same in their homes.

“The electricity generation and the electricity distribution companies are also advised to look into the power voltage made available to customers to prevent power surge resulting from high voltage which could cause an outbreak of fire.

“The government is not comfortable with the number of fire incidents that have occurred in the last few months, and therefore, government will not look the other way while this increase in fire disasters continues.”