Fresh details have emerged about the fire outbreak at Afriland Towers on Broad Street, Lagos Island, which claimed at least 10 lives on Tuesday, September 16. Afriland Properties Plc, owners of the building, have explained that the blaze began in the inverter room in the basement and spread rapidly, filling the skyscraper with thick smoke that trapped occupants and forced some to jump from upper floors.
In a statement signed by its Head of Brand, Marketing and Corporate Communications, Chukwunonso Okafor, the company confirmed that the victims included staff of the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) and United Capital Plc (UCP). Four FIRS staff members—George Faith Ekelikhostse, David Sunday-Jatto, Nkem Onyemelukwe, and Peter Ifaranmaye—were among the casualties. Six UCP workers, Jesutoni Shodipo (21), Opeyemi Oloyede (28), Kehinde Adeoye (36), Olumide Oyefodunrin (26), Ndidi Osaemedike-Okeke (41), and Rebecca Adenuga (28), also lost their lives.
Afriland disclosed that most fatalities were caused by smoke inhalation rather than burns. “The smoke spread rapidly throughout the building, severely compromising visibility and restricting access to designated evacuation routes. Under these challenging conditions, some occupants resorted to exiting through the windows in their efforts to reach safety,” the statement explained.
Responding to safety concerns, the firm insisted that fire alarms and emergency systems were active, although not all occupants heard them. “The building is equipped with fire alarms and safety systems. The alarms were triggered and though some occupants indicated they heard them, some others didn’t. This is being investigated,” it stated.
The company also dismissed claims that fire services were slow to respond. It said the fire began around 1:20 p.m., with on-site responders activating protocols immediately, while external fire teams arrived about 20 minutes later. Afriland expressed gratitude for their efforts and for the assistance of Nigerians who joined in controlling the blaze.
Addressing the controversy around United Bank for Africa’s initial statement distancing its headquarters from the incident, Afriland clarified that UBA’s comments were aimed at preventing emergency services from being misdirected, adding that the bank later clarified its position and offered condolences.
The firm further announced that Afriland Towers, which houses offices of UBA, FIRS, and UCP, will remain shut pending a thorough safety audit, post-fire cleaning, and system upgrades. It assured staff welfare remains the priority, with counselling, medical checks, flexible work arrangements, and long-term support provided to affected workers.
Afriland noted that the building was designed with two emergency staircases, multiple exit points, and fire safety features including smoke extractors and extinguishers. It added that regular drills were held under fire service supervision, and that the facility is insured.
