A massive fire erupted at the Alaba International Market in Ojo, Lagos State, on Tuesday evening, October 21, 2025, causing panic among traders and shoppers.
The blaze primarily affected the furniture section, destroying several shops and goods valued at millions of naira. Traders were seen frantically trying to salvage their items as thick smoke and flames spread rapidly across the market.
Videos circulating on social media platforms, including Twitter, showed flames engulfing multiple shops. Eyewitnesses reported that the fire started from a small spark before quickly spreading, adding to the chaos and distress among traders.
The Alaba International Market, located along the Lagos Badagry Expressway, is one of West Africa’s largest commercial hubs, known for electronics, furniture, and building materials. The scale of this fire has raised concerns over market safety and the risk of recurring incidents.
In recent months, Lagos has experienced several market and building fires. Notably, in September, a fire at Afriland Towers, a six storey commercial building on Broad Street, Lagos Island, claimed at least ten lives. Preliminary reports indicated that the fire there started in the inverter room in the basement before spreading upwards.
As of now, the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service has not officially confirmed the cause of the Alaba Market fire or the full extent of the damage. Emergency services worked to contain the flames, but many traders reported significant losses.
Investigations are ongoing to determine the source of the fire, while traders and market officials have called for improved safety measures to prevent future disasters in one of Nigeria’s busiest markets.
