Afriland Properties Plc, owners of Afriland Towers on Broad Street, Lagos Island, have provided an official explanation following Tuesday’s devastating fire that claimed 10 lives and left several injured.
In a statement issued by the company’s Head of Brand, Marketing and Corporate Communications, Chukwunonso Okafor, Afriland confirmed that the fire originated in the inverter room at the basement level of the seven-storey building. Rapid smoke spread from that point upwards, reportedly cutting off designated escape routes and trapping occupants on the upper floors.
The incident, which unfolded in the busy commercial district of Lagos Island, saw several desperate individuals leap from windows to escape the smoke, leading to multiple fatalities and injuries. The building houses offices of major institutions including the United Bank for Africa (UBA), the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), and United Capital Plc (UCP).
“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,” Afriland said.
READ ALSO: Tony Elumelu returns to Nigeria after fatal fire at Afriland Towers
The company confirmed that 10 individuals, including staff of the FIRS and United Capital, died in the incident. The FIRS later identified four of its staff who perished: George Faith Ekelikhostse, David Sunday-Jatto, Nkem Onyemelukwe, and Peter Ifaranmaye. United Capital lost six employees across its Compliance, Trustees, and Wealth Management departments.
Afriland clarified that the primary cause of death was smoke inhalation, not burns or trauma from jumping, and added that fire alarms and safety systems were triggered, although some occupants reported not hearing them. The firm stressed that an investigation is underway into the system’s effectiveness during the incident.
Responding to criticism of delayed emergency response, the company stated that on-site fire protocols were activated immediately and first responders arrived approximately 20 minutes after the fire began around 1:20 p.m.
The tower, the firm noted, is fully equipped with emergency exits, fire reels, extinguishers, smoke extractors, and two dedicated stairwells. Regular fire drills are reportedly conducted under supervision of federal and state fire services, with trained wardens stationed on each floor.
Afriland also addressed controversy surrounding UBA’s initial statement, saying it was aimed at preventing confusion, as early reports mistakenly identified the UBA head office as the site of the fire. The company acknowledged UBA’s later clarifications and condolences.
The building will remain closed pending comprehensive safety audits, post-fire cleaning, system upgrades, and potential reconstruction. Staff welfare remains the company’s top priority, with counselling services, medical support, flexible work arrangements, and long-term assistance measures now in place.
Afriland confirmed that the building is insured and pledged a full review of safety procedures across all its facilities to prevent future tragedies.
