10 FIRS, United Capital Staff Members Die In Afriland Towers Fire

 

Following a fire on Tuesday, September 16, 2025, at the Afriland Towers in Lagos, Nigeria, United Capital confirmed the deaths of six of its staff members, bringing the total number of fatalities from the incident to 10. Four employees of the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) also died in the fire.

The deaths have been confirmed in separate statements by the FIRS and United Capital Plc.

While FIRS said it lost four of its staff members, UCP, on the other hand, lost six staff to the incident.

A statement issued by the Special Adviser on Media to the FIRS Chairman, Dare Adekanmbi, identified the victims as Mrs Ekelikhostse George (Assistant Director), Mr David Sunday-Jatto (Assistant Director), Mrs Nkem Onyemelukwe (Senior Manager), and Mr Peter Ifaranmaye (Manager).

“It is with a heavy heart that FIRS announces the tragic loss of four of its staff members during the fire incident at Afriland Towers,” the statement read.

The agency said its Medium Tax Audit and Onikan Emerging Tax Office are based on the affected floors.

It added that its Security and Safety officials quickly contacted the fire service when alerted, but thick smoke had already engulfed the building.

FIRS said its management and staff are in deep shock and have reached out to the families of the deceased, promising to provide all necessary support.

“We are working in collaboration with all relevant agencies in Lagos to get to the root cause of the unfortunate incident. While this is going on, we will be reviewing safety measures across FIRS offices in both rented and owned buildings nationwide,” the statement said.

The UCP also mourned the loss of its staff members, describing the fire victims as “an integral part” of “our company and family”.

“Their painful loss leaves an immeasurable void,” the statement added.

The fire and subsequent investigations have sparked concerns about safety and emergency response preparedness in commercial buildings. 

Several public officials, including Nigerian President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Lagos Governor Sanwo-Olu, have extended condolences to the victims' families.