Lagos State Environmental Protection Agency, (LASEPA) and Lagos State Safety Commission on Wednesday sealed off a warehouse belonging to Jumia, an online marketing store for contravening the lockdown order by Federal government.

The agencies also sealed off SPN Packaging Studio Press Nigeria Plc on Plot B, Israel Adebajo Close, Ikeja and Supreme Hotel in Agege.

The action followed a tip-off that the firms’ directed their workers to resume duties despite the stay at home order announced by the Federal Government.

President Muhammadu Buhari on Sunday declared a 14-day lockdown at FCT), Lagos and Ogun states.

A drama ensued at both firms when the combined team of the agencies including police officers stormed the companies to enforce compliance.

The guards at Jumia warehouse refused to open the gate for the enforcement team.

They said the gates were locked from inside and the keys had been taken away by their boss.

The agencies’ officials wondered how those in the warehouse would escape if a fire broke out.

They immediately ordered the sealing of the place.

The sealed plaster reads: “Lagos State Safety Commission Sealed. This premises has been sealed following the violation of the safety law. This seal must not be broken or removed.”

At SPN Packaging Studio Press Nigeria Plc, the team was allowed in but met some workers in the factory.

The LASEPA and Safety commission team ordered the Chinese and some Nigerians out of the factory before sealing the company.

At Supreme Hotel, no fewer than 60 sex workers and their clients were chased out of the hotel. 

Director-General of the Safety Commission, Mr Lanre Mojola noted that the safety of the workers are paramount to the government and warned owners of industrial facilities to desist from locking their staff and holding the keys.

“We are using this medium to warn all industrial manufacturers to desist from locking in their staff and holding on to the keys. This is contrary to the safety rules. It is like holding them hostage against their will. The state will take a drastic measure against perpetrators and ensure the provision of the law is applied accordingly,” he said.

LASEPA General Manager, Mrs Dolapo Fasawe, said her agency got tip-off from concern citizens about the activities of these organisations.

She urged Lagosians to abide by safety directive of stay at home to control the spread of the pandemic.

“There will be no hidden place for defaulters of this executive order. This new era of social media has exposed us all to the action and inaction of our neighbours, friends and if not timely reported, it may endanger us. The social media has promoted our communal responsibility of being our brothers’ keeper and protecting our comfort zones,” she said.

The Nation