A devastating fire that broke out at the six-storey Afriland Towers on Broad Street, Lagos Island, on Tuesday, September 16, 2025, has claimed the lives of 10 people, according to confirmed reports from affected organizations.
The tragedy has severely impacted two major institutions housed within the commercial building. The Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) confirmed the loss of four staff members, while United Capital Plc announced on Thursday that six of its employees perished in the inferno.
The Incident
The fire reportedly started around 1:30 PM on Tuesday in the inverter room located in the basement of the building. Thick smoke quickly spread through multiple floors of the tower, creating panic and trapping workers inside the high-rise structure.
Disturbing videos that circulated on social media showed occupants desperately escaping through windows, with some people jumping in panic while others were rescued using ladders as emergency responders worked to contain the situation.
Casualties Confirmed
FIRS Losses
In a statement signed by Dare Adekanmbi, Special Adviser on Media to the FIRS Chairman, the agency described the tragedy as “a devastating blow to its workforce.” The four deceased FIRS staff members were working on the sixth and seventh floors of the tower when the incident occurred.
Among the FIRS casualties was an Assistant Director who was reportedly just three days away from retirement, making the loss particularly heartbreaking for the organization and the victim’s family.
United Capital Devastation
United Capital Plc, which occupies the third and fourth floors of the building, confirmed the loss of six staff members in an exclusive statement released Thursday morning. The financial and investment services firm described the deceased employees as “integral members of our company and family” whose deaths have left “an immeasurable void.”
“It is with profound grief that the Management and Staff of United Capital Plc announce the passing of six of our dear colleagues, following the tragic fire at Afriland Towers on Tuesday, September 16, 2025,” the company stated.
Building Details and Tenants
Afriland Towers is managed by Afriland Properties and houses several major organizations including:
- Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) – sixth and seventh floors
- United Capital Plc – third and fourth floors
- United Bank for Africa (UBA) branch
Emergency Response
The Federal Fire Service and other emergency responders rushed to the scene to combat the blaze and conduct rescue operations. Officials have indicated they are assessing the structural safety of the building following the incident.
Emergency responders confirmed that the fire originated from the inverter room in the basement before smoke rapidly spread through several floors, causing the panic that led to the tragic loss of life.
Official Reactions
President Bola Tinubu has extended condolences to the families of the victims as well as to FIRS, UBA, and United Capital following the tragedy. The incident has sent shockwaves through Nigeria’s financial and public service sectors, highlighting concerns about fire safety in commercial buildings.
Both FIRS and United Capital have expressed their grief and are providing support to the families of the deceased staff members during this difficult time.
Investigation Ongoing
Authorities are continuing to investigate the exact cause of the fire and the circumstances that led to the tragic loss of life. The incident has raised questions about fire safety protocols and emergency evacuation procedures in high-rise commercial buildings in Lagos.
The confirmed death toll of 10 people makes this one of the most serious workplace fire incidents in recent Lagos history, serving as a stark reminder of the importance of stringent fire safety measures in commercial buildings.
