The aftermath of the September 16, 2025, fire outbreak at Central Plaza in Mandilas Market, Lagos Island, has left a huge mark on the bustling commercial hub. The blaze, which ignited around 7:23 PM, ravaged multiple floors of the multi-storey building, destroying hundreds of shops and goods worth billions of naira, including fabrics, electronics, and other merchandise. By the morning of September 17, images and videos circulating online revealed a grim scene of charred structures, collapsed roofs, and piles of ruined inventory. The economic toll is staggering, with hundreds of traders directly affected and potentially over 6,000 others in the market facing indirect losses. Many shop owners, now without their primary source of income, are grappling with the reality of starting over from scratch.The human impact is equally devastating.

Traders were seen combing through the wreckage on September 17, some in tears as they surveyed the remains of their livelihoods. One shop owner shared on social media that her entire stock was burned, leaving her unable to sleep from the shock and loss. Videos captured chaotic scenes from the night before, with traders risking their safety to salvage goods as flames spread.