Ten staff members of the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) and United Capital Plc (UCP) died in a fire incident at Afriland Towers in Lagos, Nigeria, on Tuesday, September 16. The victims died from smoke inhalation after the fire, which started in an inverter room, spread rapidly through the building, blocking emergency exits.
Victims and Official Statements
Both FIRS and United Capital have confirmed the deaths in separate statements.
- FIRS lost four staff members:
- Mrs. Ekelikhostse George (Assistant Director)
- Mr. David Sunday-Jatto (Assistant Director)
- Mrs. Nkem Onyemelukwe (Senior Manager)
- Mr. Peter Ifaranmaye (Manager)
- United Capital Plc reported the loss of six staff members, describing the victims as an “integral part” of their company. The firm is arranging burials to honor the deceased.
Nigeria’s President, Bola Tinubu, expressed his condolences to the families of the victims and the affected organizations, advising for more caution and training to prevent future emergencies.
Cause of the Fire and Safety Lapses
According to reports from the Federal Fire Service (FFS) and the Lagos State Safety Commission, the fire started in an inverter room. The Lagos State Safety Commission’s report highlighted several factors that contributed to the deaths and injuries:
- Smoke Inhalation: At least 10 people died from inhaling smoke.
- Poor Maintenance: The fire was caused by overheating and combustion in the inverter battery area due to poor maintenance and inadequate ventilation.
- Rapid Smoke Spread: The building lacked proper natural ventilation, and the smoke quickly spread, affecting emergency exits.
- Evacuation Chaos: Occupants panicked due to the fast-spreading smoke and a lack of clear evacuation guidance. Some people broke windows and jumped from the third and fourth floors, leading to severe injuries.
- Lack of Safety Management: The report noted that the facility and building managers were incapacitated by smoke, meaning there was no one to lead the evacuation effort.
Reactions from Key Figures
- Tony Elumelu, Chairman of the UBA Group, expressed deep sorrow over the loss of colleagues, stating that the group is mourning and supporting the victims’ families. He also apologized for an earlier statement from the company’s communication team that he felt did not convey the full gravity of the situation.
- Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu called the fire outbreak “unfortunate” and a significant loss to the state and the affected companies.
- The Federal Fire Service Controller General, Samuel Olumode, announced a nationwide Task Force on Fire Safety Compliance to audit buildings, enforce safety standards, and sanction non-compliance to prevent similar tragedies. He urged building owners to secure inverter and generator rooms, ensure unblocked exits, and train staff.
