Traders seek FG intervention over Balogun Market fire losses

By Joy Enamuna

Traders under the umbrella of Ndigboamaka Progressive Markets Association have appealed to the Federal Government for urgent intervention and compensation following the devastating fire outbreak that razed shops at Great Nigeria House in Balogun Market, Lagos.

The appeal was made in a statement signed by the association’s President, Hon. Comrade Chinedu Ukatu, who said the December 24, 2025 inferno destroyed goods and sources of livelihood belonging to several traders, leaving many families in distress.

Ukatu lamented that the incident not only wiped out investments accumulated over many years but also resulted in loss of lives, noting that several victims were breadwinners whose dependants now face economic hardship.

He called on the Federal Government to provide financial assistance and other relief measures to enable affected traders rebuild their businesses and return to economic activities.

The association also urged authorities to extend palliatives to traders whose shops were sealed off during safety measures and evacuation processes, stressing that many of them currently have no alternative means of income.

While acknowledging the response efforts of the Lagos State Government, the group pledged its willingness to collaborate with relevant agencies to prevent future fire disasters in major commercial centres.

The traders further appealed to the state government committee handling the aftermath of the incident to hasten the evacuation of the damaged structure so business activities could resume without prolonged disruption.

According to the association, swift intervention by the government would help restore confidence among traders and reduce the economic impact of the disaster on affected families and the wider trading community.