The Federal Fire Service has ordered a nationwide safety audit of public and private buildings after Tuesday’s deadly fire at Afriland Tower, Lagos Island.
At least 10 people have now been confirmed dead from the inferno, including six workers of United Capital and four staff of the Federal Inland Revenue Service. The six-storey tower also houses offices of United Bank for Africa.
The fire, which reportedly started in the inverter room in the basement, broke out around 1:30 p.m. on September 16.
Spokesman of the Fire Service, Paul Abraham, said in a statement on Thursday that the Controller General, Samuel Olumode, has directed a full compliance check across the country.
“The Service will roll out a nationwide Task Force on Fire Safety Compliance to audit public and private buildings, enforce safety standards, sanction non-compliance, train facility managers and staff, and strengthen collaboration with regulatory agencies,” the statement read.
Olumode, while condoling with the families of the victims, also extended sympathy to the management of FIRS, UBA Group, and United Capital.
He further ordered an investigation into the Lagos blaze, focusing on the building’s maintenance records, safety systems, and compliance with fire regulations.
“Following initial reports indicating that the fire originated from the inverter room of the building, the Controller General has directed the immediate deployment of a Federal Fire Service investigation team to establish the direct and remote causes of the incident, including the state of safety systems, maintenance practices, and compliance with fire safety regulations,” the statement added.
The Service urged building owners, corporate bodies, and public institutions to review their safety measures, secure power rooms, unblock exit routes, and train staff in emergency response.
“Members of the public are advised to observe safety protocols, report non-compliance, and cooperate with fire service inspections,” Abraham said.
Olumode also praised Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, for backing the new Federal Fire and Rescue Act, which he said would improve fire prevention, audits, and accountability nationwide.
