Afriland Towers Fire in Lagos claims 10 lives as United Capital and FIRS mourn staff. Survivors recount chaos, and safety concerns dominate conversations.
The Afriland Towers Fire that broke out on Broad Street, Lagos Island, on Tuesday, September 16, 2025, has officially claimed 10 lives.
Among the deceased are six employees of United Capital Plc and four senior staff of the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS).
The inferno has sparked grief across Nigeria’s financial hub and raised urgent concerns about workplace safety and emergency preparedness in high-rise buildings.
According to preliminary reports, the fire began around 1:30 p.m. in the inverter room located in the basement of the six-storey commercial building.
Within minutes, thick, dark smoke spread through the floors, trapping workers and visitors inside.
Witnesses recounted that panic quickly took hold as alarms went off and desperate employees tried to find a way out.
Some occupants attempted to escape through windows using ladders and makeshift ropes, while emergency responders from the Federal Fire Service and the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service battled to contain the flames.
Eyewitnesses said the scene was one of “total chaos,” with sirens blaring, people screaming for help, and smoke choking the stairways.
In a heartfelt statement released on Thursday, United Capital Plc confirmed the deaths of six staff members who worked on the 3rd and 4th floors of Afriland Towers.
The financial and investment services firm described the incident as one of the darkest moments in its history.
“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 Afriland Towers Fire,” the company said.
“Our departed colleagues were an integral part of our company and family. Their painful loss leaves an immeasurable void.”
The company also announced that preparations were underway for a memorial service to honour the victims, while pledging full support to the grieving families.
“In this moment of untold grief, we stand together in solidarity, drawing strength from one another as we navigate this period. May the souls of the departed rest in peace,” the statement concluded.
Earlier in the week, the FIRS also confirmed that four of its senior staff members lost their lives in the same incident.
Although their names have not been made public, the agency described the loss as devastating and extended condolences to the families.
The confirmation brought the total death toll of the Afriland Towers Fire to 10.
Rescue operations carried out by the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service, in collaboration with the Federal Fire Service, saved at least nine individuals trapped in the building.
According to a Tuesday statement, five of the rescued victims were successfully resuscitated at the scene, while four remained unconscious and were rushed to nearby hospitals.
“A total of nine victims have been rescued. Five individuals have been resuscitated. Several others escaped unhurt, while efforts are ongoing to revive the remaining four,” the Lagos Fire Service said.
Despite these efforts, eyewitnesses said many lives could have been saved if the building had better evacuation measures. Some occupants complained of limited fire exits and a lack of proper safety drills.
Several survivors shared their harrowing experiences. One survivor, who gave his name as Chinedu, said: “I was on the 4th floor when the smoke started spreading. The fire alarms went off, but the smoke was already too much. People were choking, and everyone was running around in confusion. Some of us had to break windows to get air.”
Another worker described how she was pulled to safety by firefighters: “I was trapped on the staircase with others, unable to breathe. The fire service broke through and carried us out. Without them, I wouldn’t be alive today.”
The Afriland Towers Fire has once again put a spotlight on safety lapses in commercial buildings across Lagos.
Experts have called for stricter enforcement of fire safety codes, mandatory drills, and installation of functional sprinkler systems in all high-rise structures.
Lagos has recorded multiple building-related tragedies in recent years, from collapses to fires. In 2019, a fire outbreak at Balogun Market claimed several lives and destroyed billions worth of property.
In 2020, the fire at Dosunmu Market left hundreds displaced. These recurring incidents highlight a systemic failure in enforcing safety standards across both residential and commercial facilities.
The Afriland Towers tragedy has sent shockwaves across Nigeria’s business community.
Colleagues, friends, and families of the deceased have taken to social media to express grief and pay tribute.
On Broad Street, candles and flowers have been placed near the entrance of the tower, turning it into a temporary memorial ground.
As of press time, investigations into the exact cause of the Afriland Towers Fire are still ongoing. Authorities are yet to confirm whether faulty wiring, poor maintenance, or human error triggered the disaster.
Officials from the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service, the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), and the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA) have pledged to release full findings once inquiries are complete.
The Afriland Towers Fire stands as a painful reminder of the urgent need for improved fire safety measures in Nigeria’s commercial hubs.
With 10 confirmed dead, dozens injured, and families grieving, the tragedy has left an indelible mark on Lagos Island’s bustling business district.
For many, the incident underscores the importance of vigilance, preparedness, and enforcement of safety standards to prevent another avoidable disaster.
