A tragic fire outbreak at Afriland Towers on Broad Street, Lagos Island, has claimed the lives of 10 staff members from the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) and United Capital Plc (UCP). The incident occurred on Tuesday, September 16, leaving the business district in shock and sparking nationwide condolences.
Both FIRS and United Capital confirmed the casualties in separate statements posted on their official X accounts. FIRS reported the death of four of its staff, while UCP confirmed that six of its employees lost their lives in the inferno.
President Tinubu, Leaders Mourn Victims
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, in a statement signed by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, extended heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families and affected organizations.
“President Tinubu extends his condolences to the management and staff of Afriland Properties Limited, the FIRS, the United Capital, UBA, and particularly those who lost loved ones in the inferno, and those injured who are currently receiving medical attention,” the statement read.
The president further advised increased caution, regular safety training, and heightened alertness to prevent future tragedies.
Identities of the Deceased FIRS Staff
In a statement, FIRS spokesperson Dare Adekanmbi confirmed the identities of the four deceased staff members:
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Mrs. Ekelikhostse George (Assistant Director)
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Mr. David Sunday-Jatto (Assistant Director)
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Mrs. Nkem Onyemelukwe (Senior Manager)
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Mr. Peter Ifaranmaye (Manager)
The FIRS explained that its offices on the 6th and 7th floors of Afriland Towers were engulfed by thick smoke before emergency services could take control. Management also confirmed that investigations are ongoing to determine the root cause while pledging stronger safety measures across all FIRS offices nationwide.
United Capital Plc, on its part, described the victims as “an integral part of our company and family”, adding that their painful loss has left an “immeasurable void.” The organization promised to honor the deceased with dignified burial arrangements.
How the Fire Started
The Federal Fire Service (FFS) revealed that preliminary findings suggest the blaze started from an inverter room in the building. According to FFS spokesperson P.O. Abraham, Controller General Samuel Adeyemi Olumode ordered an immediate deployment of investigators to probe the incident.
“The team will establish the direct and remote causes of the incident, including the state of safety systems, maintenance practices, and compliance with fire safety regulations,” the FFS statement read.
Afriland Properties Plc, which manages the building, also confirmed that the fire originated in the inverter room and spread rapidly through emergency exits due to poor ventilation.
Tony Elumelu and Sanwo-Olu React
Chairman of UBA Group, Tony O. Elumelu, expressed deep sorrow over the tragedy.
“We, alongside others, lost colleagues in the fire at Afriland Towers. As a community, we grieve for all, and we are doing what we can to support their families and loved ones,” Elumelu wrote on his official X account.
He admitted that UBA’s initial statement about the fire was released “in haste” without fully grasping the scale of the tragedy.
Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu described the fire as “a significant loss to Lagos State and Nigeria.” In a statement by his media aide, Gboyega Akosile, he commiserated with the families and organizations affected, emphasizing the need for stricter fire safety compliance across public and private facilities.
Safety Commission Report: Cause of Deaths Linked to Smoke Inhalation
The Lagos State Safety Commission has released a preliminary report on the incident, revealing that at least 10 people died from severe smoke inhalation, while over 25 others sustained injuries ranging from burns to fractures caused by desperate escape attempts.
According to the report, many victims broke windows and jumped from the 3rd and 4th floors, sustaining traumatic injuries. The absence of safety wardens and poor evacuation guidance worsened the situation.
Investigators further discovered that overheating in the inverter battery area due to poor maintenance and inadequate ventilation triggered the fire. The lack of natural ventilation inside the building contributed to rapid smoke spread, leaving occupants trapped.
Nationwide Fire Safety Enforcement
Controller General of the FFS, Samuel Olumode, has directed the rollout of a nationwide Task Force on Fire Safety Compliance. The task force will audit buildings, enforce fire safety standards, sanction defaulters, and train facility managers to improve emergency readiness.
He advised facility owners to secure inverter and generator rooms, ensure pathways remain clear, keep alarms functional, and train staff on evacuation procedures.
The Afriland Towers tragedy has reignited urgent calls for strict fire safety enforcement in Nigeria’s commercial hubs to prevent future disasters.
