“Thick Smoke Everywhere” — Afriland Tower Blaze: UBA, FIRS Offices Engulfed, Rescue Operations Underway

A fire broke out on Tuesday at Afriland Tower, a popular six-storey building on Broad Street, Lagos Island, which houses a branch of United Bank for Africa (UBA), a Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) office, and several other businesses.

The Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service confirmed that the incident was reported around 1:38 p.m., prompting crews from the Ebute Elefun and Sari Iganmu fire stations to rush to the scene. According to Ogabi Olajide, Deputy Controller-General of the agency, the blaze originated from an inverter room in the building’s basement, quickly sending thick smoke to multiple floors and engulfing the structure.

Panic erupted as many workers were trapped, with some seen climbing out of windows in a desperate bid to escape. No casualties have been reported so far, and rescue operations are ongoing.

Authorities have stated that the cause of the fire remains under investigation. Fire incidents are common in Nigeria, often attributed to factors such as electrical surges, improper fuel storage, and poor building safety standards.

Further updates are expected as investigations and rescue efforts continue.

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