By Director General Lanre,Promise Dera
Copyright nigerianeye
The Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service has announced plans to conduct a comprehensive audit of fire safety compliance in public and private buildings across the state.
The tragic incident, which occurred on September 16, 2025, has heightened concerns over safety standards in Lagos’ high-density commercial centers, prompting urgent action from authorities.
The blaze at Afriland Towers, a six-story building housing a branch of the United Bank for Africa (UBA), the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), and other organizations, also left several people injured and caused significant property damage.
According to the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service, the fire originated in the building’s inverter room, with smoke rapidly spreading through multiple floors, including emergency exits, complicating evacuation efforts.
Videos circulating on social media captured harrowing scenes of occupants attempting to escape, some resorting to jumping from the building while others were rescued via ladders by passersby and emergency responders.
Deputy Controller General Ogabi Olajide confirmed that fire crews from Ebute Elefun and Sari Iganmu fire stations responded swiftly to the emergency call received at 1:38 p.m., managing to contain the blaze and prevent further spread to adjacent structures.
However, the incident, coupled with a second fire on the same day that gutted parts of Mandilas Market and three adjoining plazas, has underscored the recurring risks of electrical faults, generator malfunctions, and inverter-related accidents in Lagos’ commercial hubs.
Director of the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service, Margaret Adeseye, announced the audit initiative during a press briefing on September 17, 2025.
“The recent fire incidents are a wake-up call. We will be conducting thorough inspections of public and private buildings to ensure compliance with fire safety regulations,” Adeseye stated.
The audit will focus on verifying the presence and functionality of fire extinguishers, alarms, and emergency exits, as well as assessing electrical systems and adherence to building safety codes.
Adeseye emphasized that non-compliant buildings could face sanctions, including closure, to protect lives and property.
The announcement follows growing public outcry over safety lapses in Lagos’ high-rise structures.
A statement from Afriland Properties Plc, owners of Afriland Towers, confirmed that standard safety protocols were observed during the evacuation, but the rapid spread of smoke highlighted deficiencies in the building’s emergency systems.
The company is cooperating with regulators as investigations into the fire’s cause continue.
The Lagos State Safety Commission, led by Director General Lanre Mojola, has also intensified efforts to promote fire safety awareness.
Mojola, in collaboration with the Fire and Rescue Service, recently launched campaigns targeting traders in markets like Balogun, urging them to remove combustible materials, avoid overloading sockets, and report fire incidents promptly via the state’s emergency numbers, 737 and 112.
Residents and business owners have welcomed the audit but expressed concerns about its implementation.
Click to signup for FREE news updates, latest information and hottest gists everyday
