Tincan–Liverpool Bridge: Sanwo-Olu Condemns Fuel Scooping Incident in Lagos

Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has strongly criticised the conduct of some residents who endangered their lives by attempting to scoop petrol from a fallen tanker at the Liverpool Bridge axis of Apapa on Monday. The governor described the act as reckless, unsafe, and a clear disregard for personal and public safety.

Reacting to the incident, Sanwo-Olu expressed deep concern that individuals chose to ignore obvious dangers in pursuit of material benefit. He warned that actions such as fuel scooping around accident scenes could easily trigger explosions, fire outbreaks, and fatal casualties, particularly in high-traffic industrial zones like Apapa.

The governor stressed that safety protocols were completely neglected during the incident, noting that such behaviour has the potential to result in avoidable tragedies. He emphasised that no amount of financial gain justifies risking human lives.

Despite condemning the actions of those involved, Sanwo-Olu commended the swift response of emergency services and security operatives. He specifically acknowledged the Lagos State emergency responders and the Nigeria Police Force for their prompt intervention, whichwhich helped to cordon off the area and avert further danger.

The governor cautioned residents across the state to desist from repeating similar actions in the future, reiterating that public safety must always be prioritised over opportunistic behaviour. According to him, Lagos cannot afford preventable disasters caused by avoidable negligence.

Beyond the tanker incident, Sanwo-Olu also addressed the wider issue of public indiscipline in the state. He expressed dissatisfaction with the persistent habit of indiscriminate waste disposal, particularly the dumping of refuse on road medians and public spaces.

The governor disclosed that his administration would begin enforcing stricter penalties this year against environmental offenders. He added that the Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA) had been instructed to actively arrest individuals found violating waste disposal regulations, noting that firm enforcement would serve as a deterrent to others.

Speaking further, Sanwo-Olu clarified issues surrounding the ongoing demolition exercise in Makoko. He explained that affected residents whose structures were located between 150 and 250 metres from high-tension power lines had received evacuation notices more than two years before the commencement of the demolition.

He reaffirmed that the exercise was carried out strictly on safety grounds, emphasising the dangers posed by residential buildings located too close to power infrastructure. According to the governor, the government’s primary responsibility remains the protection of lives and critical assets.

Sanwo-Olu assured that residents affected by the Makoko demolition would not be abandoned. He stated that the state government had made provisions for palliatives and relocation assistance to support displaced individuals and families.

In closing, the governor reiterated his administration’s firm commitment to safeguarding the lives, property, and overall wellbeing of Lagos residents. He maintained that the government would continue to take decisive actions necessary to ensure public safety and order across the state.