On Tuesday, September 16, a video showing people jumping down in fear to escape a burning building went viral, leaving Nigerians in a state of panic and curiosity.
Some social media users claimed that the building was the headquarters of the United Bank for Africa (UBA).
However, the UBA communication team debunked the claim on the same day, clarifying that it’s a six-story building called Afriland Towers in Lagos Island, Lagos state. UBA also provided short-lived relief to Nigerians when the bank claimed in a now-deleted statement that it had “ensured the safety and well-being” of its affected staff members and customers.
While the statement, which was heavily criticised, led Nigerians to believe that no lives were lost in the fire incident, a viral tweet announcing an unspecified number of deaths led people to think otherwise.
This claim was eventually confirmed by Tony Elumelu, chairman of the UBA bank and Heir Holdings, in a company-wide letter on Wednesday, September 17. He, however, noted that the deceased victims were employees of Heir Holdings, not UBA, as widely claimed. He also pledged support for all affected victims and their families. However, the letter did not confirm the number of employees who died in the fire.
Companies like the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) and United Capital Plc have also confirmed that they lost employees to the fire. While FIRS lost four employees, United Capital reported six deaths, bringing the confirmed death toll to ten.
What started the fire?
The Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service (LSFRS) said the fire started in the inverter room in the building’s basement, but the full details are still unfolding.
President Tinubu sends condolences
On Thursday, September 18, the president broke his silence on the tragedy by sending his condolences to all affected individuals, families, and companies. In a statement from his media aide, Bayo Onanuga, the President empathised with FIRS, United Capital, and UBA. He also sent his sympathy to Afriland Properties Limited, the owners of the building.
A recurring hazard in Lagos state
This is one of many similar unfortunate accidents in Lagos state. From January to June 2025, the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service (LSFRS) responded to 1,072 emergencies, many of which were on Lagos Island. According to its director, Margaret Adeseye, properties worth about ₦10.72 billion were lost.
Some residents told BusinessDay on Wednesday, September 13, that firefighters sometimes arrive hours late after being called, either because the stations are too far or because Lagos traffic delays them. This matches what the FIRS reported in its statement, saying its safety officials had called for help but “thick smoke had already engulfed the building” before responders arrived.
What are experts saying?
Experts say the Afriland Towers fire should remind the government to take city planning and building rules more seriously. They also recommend setting up fire stations in key areas so emergency teams can arrive quicker and save more lives and property.
This advice goes beyond Lagos. Nigeria itself has a significant fire hazard problem. According to the 2020 World Life Expectancy Report by the World Health Organisation (WHO), the country ranked 31st out of 183 countries with the highest number of fire-related deaths.
What happens now?
The Federal Fire Service has now ordered a full investigation to provide more details about the tragedy. Its Controller General, Samuel Adeyemi Olumode, expressed sorrow over the lives lost and promised that the investigation findings would be made public.
To prevent a repeat, he announced the creation of a nationwide Task Force on Fire Safety Compliance that will audit buildings, enforce safety rules, sanction defaulters, and train staff.
Olumode also encouraged building owners and managers to check their safety readiness.
