President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has expressed deep sorrow over the tragic fire incident at Afriland Towers on Broad Street, Lagos Island, which claimed multiple lives and shook Nigeria’s corporate community to its core.
But the tragedy has raised concerns over safety measures put in place by the building’s owners, as well as the corporate entities that occupied the place. While the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) says it lost four staff, the United Bank for Africa still keeps mum over its number of dead.
The inferno, which broke out on Tuesday, September 16, 2025, has prompted condolences from the Presidency and senior corporate figures, amid renewed scrutiny over building safety standards in Lagos’s commercial heart.
In a statement issued Wednesday by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, President Tinubu extended heartfelt condolences to the families of the deceased, as well as to the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), United Bank for Africa (UBA) Plc, and Afriland Properties Limited.
“I commiserate with the families of the victims of this tragedy, and with the management and staff of FIRS, UBA, and Afriland Properties,” the President said. “My thoughts are with those who lost loved ones and with the injured who are receiving medical attention. May God Almighty receive the souls of the departed and grant quick recovery to the injured.”
The President also praised the swift efforts of emergency responders, including the Federal Fire Service, first aiders, medical personnel, and concerned citizens who participated in the evacuation. He called for greater caution, safety training, and alertness to prevent similar disasters in the future.
FIRS Confirms Loss of Four Staff
The Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), which occupied the sixth and seventh floors of the building, announced the loss of four of its staff members in the fire. The deceased were identified as Assistant Directors Ekelikhostse George and David Sunday-Jatto, Senior Manager Nkem Onyemelukwe, and Manager Peter Ifaranmaye.
“It is with a heavy heart that FIRS announces the tragic loss of four of its staff members,” read a statement by Dare Adekanmbi, Special Adviser on Media to the FIRS chairman. “Our management and staff are in deep shock and sorrow. We offer our condolences to the grieving families and will provide all necessary support in this trying time.”
FIRS noted that it had contacted emergency services promptly after the fire started, but the thick smoke had already engulfed parts of the building by the time help arrived. The agency added that it was collaborating with relevant authorities to investigate the cause of the incident and would review safety protocols across its offices nationwide.
UBA Mourns, Elumelu Cuts UN Trip Short
The United Bank for Africa (UBA) also confirmed it lost staff in the tragedy, though the exact number of fatalities remains undisclosed. Tony Elumelu, Chairman of UBA and Heirs Holdings, described the incident as devastating. He cut short his trip to the United Nations General Assembly in New York to return to Nigeria and mourn with affected families.
“No words can capture the magnitude of this loss,” Elumelu said in an emotional statement. “Not for their families who loved them, not for the friends who valued them, and not for those of us who worked beside them.”
UBA, a major pan-African financial institution with over 25,000 employees and operations in 20 countries, observed a minute’s silence at noon on Wednesday across all its offices. Elumelu also pledged financial and memorial support for affected families and urged colleagues to rally around survivors currently undergoing treatment.
Afriland Under Scrutiny
Afriland Properties Plc, the building’s owner and manager, confirmed that the fire originated in the inverter room and spread quickly, causing thick smoke that affected evacuation routes. While the company has not commented on casualties, it affirmed that safety protocols were activated and praised the response of the Lagos State and Federal Fire Services.
“We are deeply saddened by this incident,” Afriland said in a statement. “Our thoughts and prayers are with all those impacted. We extend our heartfelt sympathies to their families and loved ones.”
Afriland, listed on the Nigerian Exchange and responsible for a large portfolio of commercial and residential properties, is now facing growing questions over the building’s fire preparedness and safety infrastructure.
Tragedy Rekindles Infrastructure Concerns
The Afriland Towers fire has reignited longstanding concerns over Lagos Island’s overstretched infrastructure. Broad Street, a historic commercial corridor packed with banks, law firms, and corporate headquarters, has long battled fire hazards, traffic congestion, and weak enforcement of building codes.
Observers have called for stricter regulation and safety audits across commercial buildings in Lagos, warning that more lives could be lost if urgent steps are not taken.
As investigations continue into the root cause of the incident, President Tinubu has urged unity in grief and a renewed national commitment to safety and emergency preparedness.
“In times like these, we must stand united in grief and in purpose,” the President stated. “Let us honour the memories of those we lost by taking all necessary steps to prevent future occurrences.”
