Quick intervention by lawmakers prevents fire outbreak from spreading moments after NDDC board nominee screening at the National Assembly.
A potential disaster was averted on Tuesday at the Senate wing of the National Assembly after senators swiftly contained a fire outbreak that erupted shortly after a committee screening session.
The incident occurred in the kitchen compartment of Hearing Room 107 moments after the Senate Committee on the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) concluded the screening of Dr. Zainab Marwa, the nominee representing the North-East on the commission’s board.
Eyewitnesses said smoke suddenly began billowing from the area, triggering concern among lawmakers, staff and visitors within the complex.
Chairman of the committee, Senator Asuquo Ekpenyong, alongside Senator Salihu Mustapha, reportedly acted quickly to contain the fire before it could spread to other sections of the building.
Preliminary investigations revealed that the fire originated from a microwave oven that had been left switched on in the kitchen area.
Thanks to the prompt response of the lawmakers, the flames were extinguished before causing significant damage or disrupting legislative activities.
No casualties or injuries were recorded, and normal activities resumed shortly after the situation was brought under control.
The incident has renewed concerns about safety measures within public facilities, even as officials continue to assess the circumstances surrounding the fire outbreak.