All The Inside Details About Afriland Towers Fire

A fire at Afriland Towers on Broad Street, Lagos, has generated conflicting accounts over its cause, emergency response, and safety standards at the high-rise.

While rumours have spread rapidly on social media, verified information from Afriland Properties Plc — which manages the building — provides clarity on what actually happened, the casualties recorded, and the measures being taken in the aftermath.

Cause of Fire

Afriland Properties said the fire originated in the inverter room in the basement of the Towers. Safety protocols were activated, but the thick smoke and intense heat quickly filled the basement and spread upward through the building. This rapid spread made containment difficult despite early intervention.

Escape Struggles

The smoke compromised visibility and blocked access to the designated evacuation routes. Occupants, faced with restricted exits and growing panic, resorted to breaking windows to release smoke and in some cases jumped through them in desperate attempts to reach safety.

Fire Alarms

The building is equipped with fire alarms on every floor. Afriland confirmed that the alarms went off, and while some occupants said they heard them, others claimed they did not. Management has said this discrepancy is under investigation to understand why the alarms were not uniformly perceived.

Response Time

Contrary to widespread claims that the fire started around 10:00am, Afriland said it broke out at approximately 1:20pm. On-site fire marshals — known as fire champions — activated internal fire protocols immediately. Fire service trucks and ambulances arrived about 20 minutes later, and responders worked with staff and volunteers to contain the flames.

Evacuation Plans

Afriland Towers has documented safety procedures, regularly conducts fire drills, and maintains standard evacuation plans. However, the speed and density of the smoke made it extremely difficult to implement the plans effectively during the incident.

Emergency Exits

The building is designed with two dedicated emergency staircases connecting all floors, as well as multiple exit points on the ground floor. Afriland said the exits were functional but rendered less useful as the smoke spread rapidly, limiting visibility and safe passage.

Safety Features

Afriland Towers is fitted with fire safety systems, including smoke extractors, fire reels, extinguishers, and other equipment certified by both federal and state fire service authorities. Afriland added that safety regulators inspect and certify the building annually, and there are valid certificates of compliance.

Fire Drills

The company said regular fire drills are a cornerstone of its safety culture. These are carried out with oversight from the fire service. Each floor of the building has a designated fire warden who is retrained annually to lead evacuations.

UBA Statement

Early reports on social media claimed that the United Bank for Africa (UBA) head office was on fire. Afriland explained that UBA’s initial statement, which some saw as dismissive, was meant to prevent emergency services from being misdirected. The bank later issued clarifications and sympathy messages to victims.

Casualties

Ten fatalities were recorded in the incident. Among the victims were staff of United Capital Plc and officials of the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS). Afriland said the primary cause of death was smoke inhalation rather than burns or structural collapse.

Support for Families

Afriland expressed condolences to the families of the victims and said it is working with affected organisations to provide support. This includes both emotional assistance and practical arrangements for the bereaved.

Next Steps for Staff

The building will remain closed for structural, safety, and regulatory reviews. Afriland said no staff will be asked to return until the property is fully certified safe by relevant authorities.

Staff Welfare

In the meantime, staff are being supported through counselling, medical evaluations, and flexible work arrangements. Management said the priority is to restore staff confidence and ensure well-being after the trauma.

Insurance

Afriland confirmed that the Towers is insured. The responsible officers are currently reviewing policy details while awaiting the official investigation report, which will guide claims and compensation.

Preventing a Recurrence

The company said it has begun a comprehensive review of all its managed facilities, working with fire safety experts, regulators, and insurers. Afriland stressed that it intends to adopt protocols beyond existing regulatory requirements.

Future of the Building

Afriland Towers will remain shut until it undergoes post-fire cleaning, safety audits, and necessary reconstruction or system upgrades. Only after the building is cleared by regulators will tenants and staff return.

Staff Support

Beyond immediate counselling, Afriland is setting up structured assistance programmes for employees directly affected by the fire, including those grieving the loss of colleagues.

Lessons Learned

Afriland acknowledged that the fire offered painful but valuable lessons. It said the incident will shape stronger safety practices within the organisation and serve as guidance for other companies managing high-rise buildings.

Regulatory Oversight

The company is working closely with both federal and Lagos state fire service authorities. Their findings will determine the next round of corrective measures.

Impact on Other Properties

Afriland stressed that its other managed properties remain safe and operational.

However, it has ordered fresh safety audits across its portfolio to ensure all facilities meet the highest possible standards.