A midnight fire in Computer Village, Ikeja, Lagos State, destroyed goods valued at more than N150 million, a trader whose stock was lost has said, raising fresh concerns about market fire safety and emergency response in the commercial hub.
The incident occurred at around 2:00 a.m. on Tuesday, January 20, 2026, when traders had closed for the day.
The affected site was a one-storey commercial building on Somoye Osundairo Street housing multiple traders dealing in computers and accessories. Observers at the scene reported that the intensity of the blaze caused the roof to collapse and all rooms serving as shops were completely razed.
Market fires have periodically affected commercial districts in Lagos State, destroying goods and disrupting commerce.
Computer Village is one of West Africa’s largest technology markets, and its centrality to electronics trade means that losses from such incidents can be substantial for traders and the broader economy.
Ebere Daddymuonso, a trader affected by the fire, lamented the loss of goods worth over N150 million, reflecting significant financial damage to individual businesses and potentially disrupting supply chains within the tech trade.
The Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA) and fire responders were mobilised shortly after distress calls were received, but emergency responders said the cause of the fire had not yet been determined.
Some onlookers suggested an electrical surge linked to erratic power supply the previous day could have triggered the blaze, though this has not been confirmed by officials.
The Permanent Secretary of LASEMA, Olufemi Oke-Osanyintolu, noted that goods and properties worth millions of naira were destroyed in the inferno. A firefighter sustained injuries during the operation and was treated at the scene by the Lagos State Ambulance Service (LASAMBUS).
Emergency responders had to force entry through the back door of the locked building, indicating challenges faced in initial access. A security guard at the market indicated that he attempted to alert traders when the fire broke out but was unable to reach them in time.
The destruction of goods has left traders counting heavy losses, with many expressing concern about the absence of insurance coverage and the impact on their livelihoods. The incident also triggered calls for improved fire prevention measures, including better infrastructure, regular safety inspections, and enhanced emergency response capabilities in major market centres across the state.
The fire at Computer Village underscores ongoing challenges in market fire safety in urban commercial centres.
Traders and stakeholders have called on government agencies to implement stronger preventive strategies, improve power infrastructure reliability, and increase investments in firefighting resources to safeguard business assets and sustain economic activity.
Authorities continue to investigate the cause of the fire, while traders seek support to recover and rebuild. The Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service has been urged to conduct thorough post-incident assessments and work with market associations to strengthen preventive measures and protect commercial properties.
