Afriland Properties Plc has disclosed that Afriland Towers, which recently suffered a fire outbreak, is adequately insured. The company is reviewing insurance coverage details and awaiting official reports to guide compensation and rebuilding efforts.
Recall that there was a recent fire incident at Afriland Towers on Broad Street, Lagos, on Tuesday, 16th of September, 2025, which resulted in 10 fatalities and significant disruption. The blaze originated in the basement inverter room and was contained to its point of origin.
Afriland Properties, through its head of Brand, Marketing, and Corporate Communications, Chukwunonso Okafor, disclosed on Saturday that “regarding insurance, the company is reviewing coverage details and awaiting official reports to guide compensation and rebuilding efforts. Afriland Towers will remain closed for extensive safety inspections, cleaning, and any necessary reconstruction before re-occupation.”
Afriland Properties emphasised that, although the fire was devastating, it has reinforced the company’s commitment to safety across its property portfolio, even as the firm is proactively reviewing all managed facilities to ensure compliance with the highest safety standards, working closely with regulatory authorities to enhance disaster prevention and response protocols.
Okafor said, “Afriland Towers is equipped with smoke extractors, fire reels, extinguishers, and fire alarms across all floors, installed per Federal and State Fire Services recommendations. The building also features two dedicated emergency staircases and multiple ground-floor exits.”
Stating that the fire began around 1:20 pm, with on-site fire champions promptly initiating response protocols, he added that, emergency services arrived about 20 minutes later, with support from well-meaning Nigerians aiding containment efforts, noting that, the rapid spread of thick smoke severely limited visibility and access to evacuation routes, forcing some occupants to exit through windows.
The company confirmed that fire drills are regularly conducted and overseen by fire service officials, and designated fire wardens on each floor receive annual training. Despite this, he said, the intensity of the incident challenged communication and evacuation, and investigations are ongoing into reported inconsistencies in alarm activation.
Okafor also addressed questions about the building’s safety features, confirming that, Afriland Towers complies fully with regulatory requirements and holds valid certifications for occupancy. The company, he noted, is cooperating with regulators to conduct a comprehensive post-fire safety audit and has committed to implementing enhanced safety measures beyond regulatory standards to prevent future incidents.
“The tragic loss of life included staff from United Capital Plc and the Federal Inland Revenue Service. Afriland Properties expressed heartfelt condolences to the families and confirmed that support, including grief counselling, medical evaluations, and flexible work arrangements, is being provided to affected staff and their families. Alternative work arrangements will remain in place until the building is deemed structurally and operationally safe”
Afriland Properties emphasided that although the fire was devastating, it has reinforced the company’s commitment to safety across its property portfolio. The firm is proactively reviewing all managed facilities to ensure compliance with the highest safety standards, working closely with regulatory authorities to enhance disaster prevention and response protocols, he assured.
