The American Society of Safety Professionals (ASSP) Nigeria Chapter expresses its deepest condolences to the families, colleagues, and corporate organizations affected by the tragic incident at Mandilas Market which reportedly led to huge loss and damage to properties, and & the Lithium smoke incident at Afriland Towers, Lagos Island which reportedly claimed the lives of 10 individuals on September 16, 2025.
This devastating event allegedly caused by thick smoke from inverter batteries located in the basement, underscores the urgent need for reassessing the installation protocols of inverter batteries in Nigeria, especially in high rise public facilities. It calls for a government regulated approach to this emerging alternative power supply, to proactively stem these recurring incidents. It also calls for emergency preparedness, and strict adherence to safety standards in high-rise commercial buildings.
We commend the swift response of emergency services, including the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service, LASAMBUS, and the Safety Commission. However, the loss of lives due to smoke inhalation leading to Asphyxiation on the victims, highlights critical gaps in basic facility safety inspections, evacuation protocols, emergency exits and occupant awareness during emergencies, and lack of regulated technical drills on associated hazard prone installations like the inverter system and inspection frequency.
As safety professionals, we call for:
- Regulated Protocol for outdoor installation of inverter systems in public high-rise buildings.
- Regulated and mandatory inspection protocols for inverter systems in publie high-rise buildings.
- Comprehensive fire risk asscssments in all commercial and residential high-rise buildings
- Mandatory certification in ISO 45001:2018 and periodic audits of fire safety systems
- Regulated and mandatory training and drills for building occupants on emergency evacuation Protocols.
- Improved enforcement of building codes and safety regulation in the country.
- Mandatory Installation of automated fire alarm and actuation systems in public building.
- Incorporation and mandatory compliance to provision of multiple Emergency Exits in high rise buildings in the Nigeria building codes of practice.
ASSP Nigeria Chapter remains committed to supporting stakeholders in building a culture of safety that proactively protects lives, properly, and the environment. We stand ready to collaborate with government agencies, private sector leaders, and safety practitioners to prevent future tragedies through ASSP corporate alliance program.
May the the departed rest in peace, and may their loss inspire renewed commitment to safety
Signed
Engr. C , MNSE, MASSP, MISPON, MNREP.
President ASSP Nigeria Chapter
20th September 2025