FOUR days after a devastating fire broke out at Afriland Towers on Broad Street, Lagos Island, claiming 10 lives and leaving many traumatised, Afriland Properties Plc has issued a detailed statement explaining the cause of the incident, addressing public concerns, and outlining steps to prevent future occurrences.
In a comprehensive 20-point communication signed by Chukwunonso Okafor, Head of Brand, Marketing and Corporate Communications made available to News Point Nigeria, the real estate investment and facility management firm expressed grief over the tragedy, extended condolences to the bereaved, and committed to staff and public safety going forward.
Afriland confirmed that the inferno originated in the inverter room in the basement of the building. Although safety protocols were activated immediately, thick black smoke and intense heat quickly spread throughout the facility, severely limiting visibility and evacuation efforts.
Eyewitnesses had reported seeing some staff leap from windows to escape. Afriland acknowledged this, explaining that smoke spread so rapidly that designated evacuation routes became inaccessible, forcing some occupants to take extreme measures.
“The intensity of the incident created significant disorder and hindered effective communication,” the company said.
The company insisted that fire alarms were functional and were triggered when the fire broke out, though some occupants reported they did not hear them, an issue now under investigation.
Contrary to rumours that emergency responders arrived late, Afriland clarified that the fire started around 1:20 p.m., not 10:00 a.m., and that first responders arrived approximately 20 minutes later to support on-site fire champions who had already activated the protocol.
Tragically, Afriland confirmed 10 fatalities, including staff of United Capital Plc and the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS).
“We extend our deepest condolences to their families and are working closely with the affected organisations to ensure that the bereaved are supported with compassion and practical assistance,” the statement said.
The company also revealed that smoke inhalation was the primary cause of death and assured that staff welfare and mental health support were top priorities.
Addressing criticisms on social media about a lack of emergency exits and fire safety systems, Afriland explained that the building has two dedicated emergency staircases, multiple ground-floor exits, smoke extractors, fire reels, and extinguishers, all compliant with Federal and State Fire Service regulations.
However, the rapid spread of smoke severely limited the use of those escape routes, which contributed to the scale of the tragedy.
Afriland stressed that the building had undergone regular fire drills overseen by the fire service and that its safety protocols are certified annually by regulators. Each floor, it noted, has a designated trained fire warden.
Afriland Towers will remain closed until it passes a full structural and safety audit, undergoes deep post-fire cleaning, and receives regulatory clearance for re-occupation.
“Staff welfare and confidence remain paramount, and alternative work arrangements will continue until the building is certified completely safe,” Afriland assured.
The company confirmed that the property was fully insured and that insurers and independent fire safety experts are working with management on a comprehensive review.
Afriland disclosed that it has rolled out grief counselling, medical evaluations, and flexible work arrangements for staff mourning colleagues.
“This is a time of mourning and healing, and staff welfare remains our highest priority,” the statement read.
Afriland acknowledged that the tragedy had presented “invaluable lessons” that would not only shape its operations but also guide other organisations in improving disaster preparedness.
The company pledged to collaborate closely with regulators, promising that findings from the official investigation will be implemented across all Afriland-managed facilities nationwide.