A fire outbreak at the Senate wing of the National Assembly on Wednesday, June 10, was quickly brought under control, preventing what could have developed into a major emergency within the complex.
The incident occurred at Hearing Room 107 shortly after the Senate Committee on the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) concluded the screening of Dr. Zainab Marwa, the nominee for the North-East position on the commission’s governing board.
Moments after the exercise ended, smoke was seen coming from the kitchen section attached to the hearing room, drawing the attention of lawmakers and staff members nearby.
Witnesses said Chairman of the Senate Committee on NDDC, Senator Asuquo Ekpenyong, and Senator Salihu Mustapha immediately stepped in to address the situation, helping to prevent the fire from spreading beyond the affected area.
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Initial findings indicated that the incident was caused by a microwave oven that had been left switched on in the kitchen.
Thanks to the swift response of the lawmakers and other personnel present, the flames were extinguished before causing extensive damage to the facility.
No injuries or fatalities were recorded during the incident.
Activities within the National Assembly continued normally shortly after the situation was brought under control, with officials confirming that the fire was contained before it could affect other parts of the Senate wing.
The prompt intervention helped avert what could have become a serious disruption at the federal legislature.