The office of the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control in Oshodi, Lagos State, has been gutted by fire. Although the actual cause of the fire has yet to be ascertained, it was gathered that the fire started from the powerhouse of the agency and spread to the warehouse, where chemicals such as ethanol were stored.

It was learnt that the inferno, which started around 3pm on Saturday, was put out by officials of the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency and the state fire service around 6pm.

However, as of 8pm when this report was being filed, damping exercise was ongoing at the scene to prevent a resurgence of the fire.

The General Manager, Lagos State Emergency Management Agency, Mr. Adesina Tiamiyu, said the fire was prevented from escalating to the administrative block of the agency.

He said, “Investigation at the scene of the fire incident at NAFDAC office, Oshodi, revealed that the fire started at about 3.15pm. The inferno started from the powerhouse, escalating to the nearby warehouse where chemicals were stored.

“However, other buildings, including the administrative block housing the central laboratory complex of the agency were salvaged by the combined team of LASEMA and Lagos State Fire Service. Officials of NAFDAC also rendered necessary support for the intervention.

“The fire has been put under control as damping exercise is presently ongoing. Full investigation into the cause of the incident will be carried out by the appropriate authorities.”