A storey building housing several technology-related businesses at Computer Village, Ikeja, Lagos State, was destroyed by fire in the early hours of Tuesday, January 20, 2026, leading to the loss of goods worth millions of naira.
The fire incident affected a commercial building used mainly for the storage and sale of Information Technology appliances, including laptops, printers, cameras, and computer accessories.
According to the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA), the incident was reported at about 1:55 a.m., prompting an immediate emergency response to contain the fire and prevent loss of life.
LASEMA said its response team arrived at the scene around 2:15 a.m., only to find the one-storey building already engulfed in flames.
Dense smoke was observed billowing from the structure, indicating intense combustion within the building.
Computer Village, located in Ikeja, is Nigeria’s largest technology and electronics hub, attracting thousands of traders and customers daily and serving as a major commercial nerve centre for ICT products in the country.
Fire spreads rapidly due to combustible materials
In a preliminary incident report signed by the Permanent Secretary of LASEMA, Olufemi Oke-Osanyintolu, the agency explained that the nature of materials stored in the building contributed significantly to the rapid spread of the fire.
The report stated that the affected structure housed dealers in computers and accessories, many of which are highly combustible when exposed to intense heat.
“Upon arrival of the LASEMA Response Team at the incident scene, it was observed that a fire outbreak had occurred in a one-storey commercial building accommodating dealers in computers and accessories in Computer Village, Ikeja,” the report said.
It added, “Responders observed active flames and dense smoke, indicating intense combustion within the structure. The high volume of combustible materials contributed to the rapid spread of fire.”
Emergency responders immediately commenced firefighting and containment operations to prevent the fire from spreading to adjacent buildings within the densely packed commercial area.
LASEMA coordinated a multi-agency response involving the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service, the Lagos State Ambulance Service (LASAMBUS), and officers of the Nigeria Police Force.
The affected area was cordoned off to ensure public safety and allow emergency teams unrestricted access to the scene.
No fatalities recorded, firefighter injured
Despite the scale of destruction, LASEMA confirmed that no fatalities were recorded during the incident.
However, one firefighter attached to the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service sustained minor injuries while battling the blaze.
The injured firefighter received immediate medical attention on site from officials of LASAMBUS.
“No fatalities were recorded. One Lagos State firefighter sustained minor injuries during the operation and was administered first aid treatment on site,” the agency stated.
LASEMA disclosed that the entire upper floor of the building was completely razed by the fire.
All goods and properties stored on that level were destroyed, while the structural integrity of the building was partially compromised.
“All goods and properties worth millions of naira stored therein were totally destroyed by the conflagration,” the agency added.
Firefighters were able to successfully suppress and contain the fire within the affected building, preventing escalation to neighbouring structures.
Damping-down operations were ongoing as of Tuesday morning to eliminate hidden embers and prevent re-ignition.
Investigation and safety review recommended
LASEMA said the cause of the fire had not yet been determined and remained under investigation.
The agency recommended a comprehensive investigation into the origin of the fire to establish possible electrical faults, storage issues, or other contributing factors.
It also advised an immediate structural integrity assessment of the affected building before any form of access or reconstruction.
In addition, LASEMA called for a broader review of fire safety measures and storage protocols across Computer Village to reduce the risk of similar incidents in the future.
The agency stressed the importance of compliance with fire safety regulations, proper wiring standards, and safe storage of combustible materials in commercial buildings.
Further updates are expected as investigations continue.
For more information on emergency preparedness and fire safety, visit the official websites of the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency and the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service.
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