LAGOS, Nigeria (July 3, 2026), A fire erupted Friday at the Bono Energy Terminal in Lagos, sending thick smoke over the Apapa district as emergency crews worked to contain the blaze.
The Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service confirmed the incident, saying firefighters were deployed to the terminal along the Apapa‑Oworonshoki Expressway near Coconut, Olodi Apapa. Spokesperson Shakiru Amodu said crews were “curbing a fire explosion” at the facility, though the cause was not immediately known.
Witnesses reported panic as workers and residents fled the area. “We just saw fire and smoke everywhere,” one man said. “People were shouting and running.”
Authorities have not released information on casualties or the extent of damage, but officials said investigations would begin once the fire is fully under control. Emergency responders urged residents to stay clear of the site as crews worked to prevent the flames from spreading.
The Apapa district is a critical hub for Nigeria’s fuel depots and shipping terminals, raising concerns about potential disruption to energy supplies. Videos shared online showed plumes of black smoke rising above the city’s skyline.
Local officials praised the quick response of firefighters, noting Lagos has faced several industrial fires in recent years. Safety advocates said the incident highlights the need for stricter enforcement of standards at energy facilities.
Government representatives are expected to issue a formal statement on the fire and outline next steps, including investigations into possible causes such as equipment failure or human error.
For residents living near the depots, the fire was a stark reminder of the risks. “We are used to seeing tankers and pipelines here,” one resident said. “But when something like this happens, you realize how dangerous it can be.”
