ENL Consortium, operator of one of the busiest cargo terminals at the Lagos Port Complex, Apapa, has denied reports that a cargo vessel caught fire at its terminal, assuring stakeholders of its strong safety culture and emergency preparedness.
This comes after a report emerged over the weekend claiming that a cargo ship named CHANG MIN had been affected by fire while anchored at the terminal on Friday. The report, which cited a statement from the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA), alleged that parts of the vessel were gutted by fire. It also noted that the ship was laden with highly combustible goods, including compressed natural gas (CNG) trucks, tyres, wooden materials, and other sensitive items.
The Permanent Secretary of LASEMA, Dr. Olufemi Oke-Osanyintolu, had earlier confirmed the presence of cargo with potential fire risk onboard the vessel, a claim that sparked concerns over safety at the Lagos port, especially in Apapa, which handles a significant volume of Nigeria’s import and export cargo.
However, ENL Consortium, in an official statement released on Sunday, clarified that no fire occurred on the ship. The company explained that what was initially reported as a fire was actually smoke emission detected from one of the hatches of the vessel. It stated that the situation was quickly addressed and brought under control by its in-house emergency response team.
“There was no naked fire on the ship. The smoke was quickly traced, and our emergency response team acted immediately in line with established safety protocols. The situation was promptly brought under control,” the company said.
ENL Consortium also confirmed that no lives were endangered and that there was no damage to cargo, port equipment, or infrastructure at the terminal.
The company emphasised its ongoing commitment to safety, operational excellence, and emergency response preparedness. It highlighted that the prompt and professional handling of the incident reflects its established safety protocols and ability to swiftly manage risks.
“Our team was on high alert, and the smoke was swiftly neutralised without any escalation. This is a testament to the rigorous safety training and emergency planning we have in place at ENL Terminal,” the statement added.
ENL also condemned what it described as “inaccurate and exaggerated” media reports that misrepresented the incident. The company urged the public and media organisations to verify sensitive information before publishing and to avoid causing panic through sensationalism, especially in critical national infrastructure locations like ports.
It reassured the public, shipping companies, importers, and stakeholders that the terminal remains safe, stable, and fully operational. According to ENL Consortium, it handles thousands of tonnes of cargo annually with a strong reputation for safety and efficiency.
“Port operations at ENL Terminal remain uninterrupted. We continue to uphold our reputation as one of Nigeria’s leading port terminal operators through strict compliance with international safety standards,” the company said.
The Lagos Port Complex in Apapa is one of the most vital entry points for goods into Nigeria and West Africa. Any incident at the facility often attracts public attention due to its importance to the national economy. The clarification from ENL Consortium is expected to calm nerves among port users and the wider maritime industry.
ENL concluded its statement by reiterating its dedication to protecting lives, cargo, and equipment, stating that the health and safety of its workers, customers, and partners remain a top priority. It also promised to maintain transparent communication on all matters related to its operations.
