The Federal Fire Service has launched a nationwide fire safety compliance audit in the wake of a deadly fire at Afriland Tower on Lagos Island, which has now claimed at least 10 lives.
The fire, which broke out on Tuesday afternoon at the six-storey commercial building, reportedly started in the inverter room located in the basement. It quickly spread to other floors, trapping occupants and sparking panic.
Among the confirmed casualties are four senior staff members of the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) and several employees of United Capital, an investment services firm that occupied the third and fourth floors of the building.
The blaze, which began at around 1:30 p.m., prompted a swift response from emergency services, with firefighters managing to rescue nine individuals, five of whom were successfully resuscitated at the scene.
In a statement issued on Thursday, the Federal Fire Service spokesperson, Paul Abraham, said the Controller General, Samuel Olumode, had directed a full investigation into the incident and announced the launch of a fire safety task force.
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“The Service will roll out a nationwide Task Force on Fire Safety Compliance to audit public and private buildings, enforce safety standards, sanction non-compliance, train facility managers and staff, and strengthen collaboration with regulatory agencies,” the statement said.
The Controller General also extended condolences to the management of FIRS and United Capital, as well as to the families of those who lost their lives.
The investigation team has been tasked with reviewing maintenance records, the functionality of installed safety systems, and overall compliance with fire regulations at the time of the incident.
“The findings of the investigation will be made public and all recommendations will be implemented without delay,” Abraham said.
In addition to the investigation, facility owners and corporate organisations have been urged to conduct immediate reviews of their fire safety readiness. This includes securing inverter and generator rooms, ensuring fire alarms and extinguishers are in working condition, unblocking emergency exits, and training staff in emergency procedures.
The fire has renewed concerns over workplace safety and emergency preparedness in commercial high-rise buildings across Nigeria.
Meanwhile, the FIRS has initiated internal safety reviews across all its office buildings and called for urgent improvements in the enforcement of fire safety standards nationwide.
Olumode also commended the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, for his role in supporting the new Federal Fire and Rescue Act, which is expected to strengthen regulatory oversight and institutional capacity in fire prevention and response efforts.
The incident at Afriland Tower has reignited calls for stricter enforcement of building safety codes and regular audits of commercial properties, particularly in densely populated business districts.
