The Federal Fire Service (FFS) has conveyed profound grief following the devastating blaze that consumed Afriland Towers on Broad Street, Lagos Island, on September 16, 2025. The fire tragically resulted in numerous fatalities, including personnel from the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) and other organizations.
In a statement released on Thursday, Samuel Adeyemi Olumode, the Controller General of the FFS, extended sincere sympathies to the affected agencies and the bereaved families.
“On behalf of the Federal Fire Service, I offer my deepest condolences to Dr. Zacch Adelabu Adedeji, Executive Chairman of the Federal Inland Revenue Service, Mr. Tony Elumelu, Chairman of United Bank for Africa (UBA), their management teams, staff, and the families mourning their loved ones. We pray for peace for the souls lost and strength for those left behind,” Adeyemi expressed.
He revealed that initial investigations indicate the fire likely started in the building’s inverter room. Consequently, he has mandated the immediate dispatch of an FFS investigative unit to thoroughly examine both the immediate and underlying causes of the incident.
The inquiry will scrutinize “the condition of fire safety mechanisms, upkeep routines, and adherence to fire prevention regulations,” Adeyemi noted. He pledged transparency by promising to publish the investigation’s outcomes promptly and ensure swift implementation of recommended measures.
Highlighting a proactive approach to avert similar disasters, Adeyemi announced the establishment of a nationwide Fire Safety Compliance Task Force. This body will conduct comprehensive inspections of public and private structures, enforce fire safety laws, penalize defaulters, provide training for facility managers and staff, and enhance cooperation among relevant agencies.
“Installing fire safety devices is insufficient without regular maintenance, operational checks, and staff training. Under my stewardship, the Federal Fire Service will shift from merely responding to fires to emphasizing prevention, rigorous audits, enforcement, and public transparency,” he affirmed.
The Controller General called on corporations, financial institutions, government bodies, and facility supervisors to urgently assess their fire preparedness. He stressed the critical need for secure inverter and generator rooms, clear emergency exits, functioning alarm systems, and well-trained personnel.
He also urged the general public to adhere strictly to safety guidelines, report any breaches, and cooperate fully with fire service inspections.
Adeyemi praised the Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, for his instrumental role in the passage of the Federal Fire and Rescue Act, which he believes will introduce “a transformative era of fire prevention and accountability throughout Nigeria.”
According to reports, the fire at Afriland Towers erupted around 1:30 p.m. on Tuesday, resulting in at least 10 confirmed deaths, including six employees of United Capital Plc and four from FIRS. Numerous others were rescued by emergency teams.
