The Federal Fire Service (FFS) has expressed deep sorrow over the tragic fire that engulfed Afriland Towers on Broad Street, Lagos Island, on September 16, 2025, claiming multiple lives, including staff of the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) and others.
In a statement on Thursday, Controller General of the FFS, Samuel Adeyemi Olumode, commiserated with the affected institutions and families of the victims.
“On behalf of the Service, I extend heartfelt condolences to the Executive Chairman of the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), Dr. Zacch Adelabu Adedeji, the Chairman of the United Bank for Africa (UBA), Mr. Tony Elumelu, the management and staff of both organizations, as well as the families of all those who lost their lives in this tragedy. We pray for the repose of the departed and comfort for their loved ones,” Adeyemi said.
The Controller General disclosed that preliminary reports suggested the fire originated from the building’s inverter room. He has ordered the immediate deployment of an FFS investigation team to determine both the direct and remote causes of the incident.
According to him, the probe will cover “the state of safety systems, maintenance practices, and compliance with fire safety regulations.” He assured that the findings would be made public, with recommendations implemented without delay.
In what he described as a decisive step to prevent future tragedies, Adeyemi announced the creation of a nationwide Task Force on Fire Safety Compliance. The task force will audit public and private buildings, enforce safety standards, sanction violators, and provide training for facility managers and staff, while strengthening inter-agency collaboration.
“It is not enough to install fire safety equipment; it is essential to maintain it, ensure functionality, and train staff. Under my leadership, the Federal Fire Service will move beyond reactive firefighting to proactive prevention, audits, sanctions, and public accountability,” he stated.
The Controller General urged corporate bodies, banks, government agencies, and facility managers to urgently review their fire safety readiness, stressing the importance of secure inverter and generator rooms, unblocked exit pathways, functional alarms, and trained personnel.
He also appealed to the public to observe safety protocols, report non-compliance, and cooperate with fire service inspections.
Adeyemi further commended the Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, for his role in facilitating the enactment of the Federal Fire and Rescue Act, which he said would usher in “a new regime and culture of fire prevention and accountability across Nigeria.”
LEADERSHIP reports that the Afriland Towers fire, which broke out around 1:30 p.m. on Tuesday, left at least 10 people confirmed dead, including six staff of United Capital Plc and four employees of FIRS. Several others were rescued by emergency responders.
