Reporting by Daily Post indicates that Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf of Kano State has made an urgent appeal to the Federal Government for modern firefighting equipment, including air support, following a second devastating fire at the Singer Market. The Governor, who visited the scene while the fire was still active, stressed that the state’s current fire service capacity is insufficient to protect its vast commercial hubs.
The latest inferno, which razed the Gidan Gilas section of the market, occurred less than two weeks after a similar incident in the same area. The Governor commended the courage of the local fire service but noted that without specialized tools like firefighting helicopters, containing blazes in densely packed markets remains nearly impossible.
Governor Yusuf also called for a thorough investigation into the recurring nature of the fires to determine if they are accidental or the result of sabotage. The state government has pledged to support affected traders, though the scale of the losses is estimated to be in the billions of Naira.
Channels TV verified the Governor’s visit, reporting that the fire caused significant panic in the Kano metropolis. A trader quoted in The Punch lamented, “I have lost everything for the second time this month; we need more than just sympathy from the government.” Premium Times also covered the story, quoting an emergency responder: “The narrow access roads made it extremely difficult for our trucks to reach the heart of the fire.”
Echotitbits take: The recurring fires in Kano’s markets are a major threat to Northern Nigeria’s largest economy. Beyond equipment, the state needs a radical redesign of market layouts to allow for emergency access. Watch for a possible federal intervention involving the Air Force’s disaster response unit.
Source: Vanguard- https://www.vanguardngr.com/2026/02/gov-yusuf-seeks-fgs-intervention-in-singer-market-fire/amp/, and February 15, 2026
Photo credit: Vanguard
Tag: emergency response
-
Kano Governor Seeks Federal Air Support Following Massive Market Inferno
-
Fire Service Decorates Newly Promoted Officers, Pushes Faster Emergency Response
Figures cited by The Guardian indicate fire service leadership urged newly promoted officers to respond swiftly to emergencies during a decoration ceremony for newly elevated personnel.
The message aligns with broader calls to strengthen emergency readiness in cities facing frequent market, residential, and industrial fires.
Promotion events are symbolic, but impact is measured in response times, functioning equipment, and improved dispatch systems.
BusinessDay also reported the service “decorates 2,620 newly promoted senior officers,” while the Federal Fire Service’s public updates have referenced property-loss prevention at “₦500,000,000” scale.
Echotitbits take: Watch funding and equipment delivery—training without trucks, water access, and dispatch modernization won’t change outcomes.
Source: BusinessDay — https://businessday.ng/news/article/fire-service-decorates-2620-newly-promoted-officers-reaffirms-commitment-to-safety/ January 10, 2026
BusinessDay 2026-01-10
Photo Credit: BusinessDay
-
Sanwo-Olu Sanctions Demolition of Fire-Ravaged GNI Building as Death Toll Hits Eight
Reporting by The Cable indicates that Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has ordered the total demolition of the Great Nigeria Insurance (GNI) building following a catastrophic fire. The Governor confirmed that the death toll has risen to eight, with several others still hospitalized with life-threatening injuries.
The decision to level the structure was made after structural engineers declared the building’s integrity compromised, posing a threat to surrounding properties in the busy Lagos Island district. Emergency services remain on-site to ensure the safe recovery of any remaining remains before the demolition begins.
BusinessDay reported that the Governor visited the scene for a second time to ‘confirm fatalities and survivors,’ emphasizing the need for stricter safety audits. Premium Times also covered the tragedy, noting that ‘Sanwo-Olu orders demolition as fire death toll rises,’ highlighting the recurring issue of fire safety in Lagos’ high-rise buildings.
Echotitbits take: This tragedy exposes the ‘death trap’ nature of many old high-rises in Lagos. A forensic audit of all buildings on the Island is overdue; if the state doesn’t enforce the ‘Building Safety Code,’ the skyline of Nigeria’s commercial capital will continue to be a liability.
Source: The Guardian — https://guardian.ng/news/nigeria/metro/again-sanwo-olu-visits-gni-building-fire-scene-confirms-eight-dead/
The Guardian January 3, 2026Photo Credit: The Guardian
-
Liberia advances domestication of amended International Health Regulations with multisector roadmap
Liberia advances domestication of amended International Health Regulations with multisector roadmap
As reported in a WHO update carried via Africa Newsroom, Liberia convened a multisector workshop to drive domestication of the amended International Health Regulations (IHR), aligning national systems with updated global health-security rules.
The report says the process produced an implementation roadmap and included senior-level commitment, aimed at strengthening coordination, surveillance, and response readiness for cross-border threats.
Domestication is where global standards become national practice—through legislation, procedures, budgets, and accountability across ministries and agencies.
WHO AFRO noted the workshop ended with the signing of a “national declaration” supporting implementation. Liberia’s NPHIL also described the step as “significant” for enhancing health security and preparedness.
Echotitbits take:
The credibility test is capacity. Watch for budget lines, training cycles, labs and surveillance upgrades, and real simulation exercises—those are the signals that domestication becomes real readiness.Source: afro.who — January 2, 2026 — https://www.afro.who.int/countries/liberia/news/liberia-advances-implementation-amended-international-health-regulations
World Health Organization (WHO) 2026-01-02
Photo Credit: afro.who
-
South Africa joins global condolences after deadly fire in Crans-Montana, Switzerland
South Africa joins global condolences after deadly fire in Crans-Montana, Switzerland
In a message distributed via Africa Newsroom, President Cyril Ramaphosa expressed condolences to Switzerland following a deadly fire in Crans-Montana during New Year’s period.
The statement frames the tragedy as a shared human loss, aligning South Africa with other international voices supporting grieving families and the Swiss public.
Such incidents often trigger wider scrutiny around venue compliance, crowd control, evacuation planning, and enforcement—issues that resonate far beyond Europe.
The Presidency’s statement includes the line “stand in solidarity” with Switzerland. The Financial Times, reporting on the investigation, cited officials pointing to sparklers and described it as a catastrophe with “40 deaths” and significant injuries.
Echotitbits take:
Large-scale fires are rarely “just accidents”—they expose enforcement gaps. Watch the investigation’s final findings and whether Switzerland tightens public-event safety standards in ways other countries adopt.Source: Africa24tv — January 2, 2026 — https://africa24tv.com/south-africa-president-ramaphosa-expresses-condolences-following-tragic-fire-in-the-swiss-alps
Africa24tv 2026-01-02Photo Credit: Africa24tv
-
New Year tragedy in Switzerland: deadly blaze at Crans‑Montana bar leaves about 40 dead
2026-01-02 06:00:00
As reported by Punch, a devastating fire tore through a packed bar in the Swiss ski resort town of Crans‑Montana during New Year celebrations, leaving about 40 people dead and more than 100 injured, according to authorities.Witnesses described panic and frantic escape attempts as flames spread rapidly, with emergency services distributing the injured across hospitals as local capacity was overwhelmed.
Investigators say it is too early to provide full details on victims’ identities, and the cause remains under examination, though officials have indicated there is no immediate evidence of an attack.
Associated Press reports the venue “morphed from a scene of revelry into the site of one of Switzerland’s worst tragedies,” while Reuters quotes the cantonal police commander saying it was “too early to give details on the identity of the dead and injured,” as identification work continues.
Echotitbits take: This disaster will trigger a hard look at fire-safety enforcement in high-traffic venues—especially basement clubs and bars with narrow exits. Watch for Switzerland’s investigative findings, any policy moves on venue inspections, and whether tourist-resort operators across Europe tighten safety protocols ahead of peak seasons.
Source: Radio-Canada — January 2, 2026 (https://ici.radio-canada.ca/rci/en/news/2217288/around-40-dead-more-than-100-injured-in-blaze-at-swiss-ski-resort-bar-during-new-years-eve-party)
Radio-Canada 2026-01-02
Photo Credit: Radio-Canada
-
Lagos boat capsizes near Nigerdock with fatalities as agencies launch rescue response
2026-01-01 06:50:00
Reporting by Vanguard indicates at least six passengers died and others were rescued after a passenger boat mishap near the Nigerdock axis of Lagos waterways.In an update published by the outlet, agencies including LASWA and NIWA were described as part of the search-and-rescue response alongside marine police.
The incident renews attention on enforcement of safety protocols—lifejacket compliance, passenger manifests, and operator licensing.
Punch also reported the incident and cited Lagos waterways authorities on the casualty count and rescue operations.
The Guardian Nigeria likewise carried the update, reporting fatalities and describing a multi-agency response on the waterways.
Echotitbits take:
Water transport is growing, but safety enforcement is lagging. Watch for sustained inspections, penalties for non-compliance, and standardized manifest/lifejacket rules that are actually enforced beyond the news cycle.
Source: Vanguard — January 1, 2026 (https://www.vanguardngr.com/2026/01/6-dead-4-rescued-in-lagos-boat-mishap/)
Vanguard 2026-01-01
Photo Credit: Vanguard
-
Anthony Joshua discharged after crash as focus turns to road safety and investigation
2026-01-01 06:35:00
According to Punch, boxer Anthony Joshua was discharged from hospital after treatment following a crash in Ogun State that drew major public attention.In an update published by the outlet, the report said he was deemed clinically fit to recover at home while tributes continued for those who died in the incident.
The tragedy has renewed scrutiny of road safety enforcement and risk factors on major intercity corridors.
Reuters also reported he was discharged from hospital after the crash, noting he sustained only minor injuries.
Associated Press similarly reported that he was deemed fit to recover at home following observation, while summarising the incident context.
Echotitbits take:
Beyond celebrity shock, this is a policy window: publish the crash investigation outcome, strengthen enforcement against hazardous trucking practices, and improve emergency-response readiness on high-risk routes.
Source: The Punch — December 31, 2025 (https://punchng.com/fatal-crash-anthony-joshua-discharged-from-hospital/)
The Punch 2025-12-31
Photo Credit: The Punch
-
Tinubu Reaches Anthony Joshua After Ogun Crash, Extends Condolences
2025-12-30 06:30:00
In a report by The Nation, President Bola Tinubu said he phoned Anthony Joshua after the Lagos–Ibadan Expressway crash that killed two members of the boxer’s team and left him injured, offering condolences and prayers.
The paper said Joshua assured the President he was receiving medical care, while Tinubu also called Joshua’s mother to console her and pray with her.
The incident has again put the spotlight on safety risks along the Lagos–Ibadan corridor during peak holiday travel, with renewed calls for stricter enforcement and faster emergency response.
Premium Times also reported the State House release, quoting that Tinubu “has spoken by telephone” with Joshua and his mother. The Nation’s own report quoted Tinubu saying, “I spoke with AJ on the phone…” as it described the calls and condolences.
Echotitbits take: Beyond the celebrity angle, the tragedy underlines persistent highway safety gaps. Watch for targeted FRSC enforcement on the Lagos–Ibadan axis and any new state-backed emergency-response upgrades in 2026.
Source: The Nation — December 29, 2025 (https://thenationonlineng.net/tinubu-speaks-with-anthony-joshua-mother-after-tragic-ogun-crash/)
The Nation 2025-12-29
Photo Credit: The Nation
-
Balogun high‑rise inferno: China‑returnee confirmed among victims as rescue winds down
Photo Credit: The Punch
2025-12-28 09:00:00From PUNCH reports, emergency responders confirmed that three bodies—including a China-based trader—were recovered from the rubble of the fire-ravaged Great Nigeria Insurance House near Balogun Market, Lagos Island.
Officials said the blaze, which started on upper floors of the high-rise commercial building, escalated into a complex rescue-and-recovery operation involving multiple agencies working amid structural risks.
Authorities urged traders and nearby occupants to keep off the immediate area as assessments continued, while families waited for updates on missing persons.
Premium Times reported LASEMA warning that “The fire continues to spread vertically,” while Peoples Gazette quoted officials saying teams were working “under challenging conditions because of the building’s height.”
Echotitbits take: Lagos’ dense, older commercial corridors need stricter fire-code enforcement, warehouse-use regulation, and rapid-access equipment—especially for high-rise markets. Watch next for demolition decisions, compensation claims, and the fire-cause investigation.
Source: The Punch — December 28, 2025 (https://punchng.com/lagos-fire-trapped-china-returnee-two-others-recovered-dead/)
The Punch December 28, 2025
https://punchng.com/lagos-fire-trapped-china-returnee-two-others-recovered-dead/