Afriland Properties Confirms Fire Outbreak at Afriland Towers, Lagos Island

Punchngs July 29, 2025

Afriland Properties Confirms Fire Outbreak at Afriland Towers, Lagos Island

Metro Plus
17.09.2025
No Comment
103

83 / 100

SEO Score

The eight-storey Afriland Towers before the fire incident. Photo Credit: Joshua Temidayo Makinde.

Afriland Properties Plc has officially confirmed a fire outbreak at its headquarters, Afriland Towers, located on Broad Street, Lagos Island, Lagos State. The incident occurred on Tuesday, drawing massive public attention due to the tower’s strategic location in one of Lagos Island’s busiest business districts.

The company released a statement titled “Statement on Fire Incident at Afriland Towers, Lagos Island”, signed by Chukwunonso Okafor, Head of Marketing and Corporate Communications. The statement was dated September 16, 2025, and obtained by PUNCH Online on Wednesday.

The confirmation from Afriland Properties followed widespread confusion after viral videos and images circulated on social media. Initial reports wrongly claimed that the United Bank for Africa (UBA) headquarters at Marina had been gutted by fire. However, UBA later issued a clarification that its corporate head office remained unaffected.

According to UBA’s statement, the fire broke out at a building on Broad Street housing one of its branches—not at its Marina head office. The bank further assured customers and the public that the safety of staff and customers had been secured.

Afriland Properties expressed appreciation for the timely intervention of emergency responders. “From the moment the incident was reported, the Federal Fire Service, Lagos State Fire Service, and other emergency services were promptly alerted and arrived at the scene to contain the fire and coordinate rescue efforts,” the statement said.

With 6 Months to Go, Only Six Listed Banks Have Met CBN Recapitalisation Target

Court Orders Forfeiture of $7 Million in Providus Bank Recovered by EFCC to Federal Government

The company acknowledged that the swift action of these agencies was instrumental in mitigating damage and managing the situation effectively. by this incident. Our thoughts and prayers are with all those impacted, and we extend our heartfelt sympathies to their families and loved ones.”

The company also confirmed that an immediate investigation had commenced. Early findings indicated that the fire may have started in the inverter room, with smoke spreading rapidly through the building—including emergency exits—even as standard evacuation procedures were underway.

Afriland Properties reiterated its commitment to cooperate with all relevant authorities. “Afriland Properties Plc is working closely with the relevant authorities even as more information emerges. We sincerely appreciate the heroic efforts of emergency responders, first aid workers, and members of the public who assisted with the incident today,” the statement added.

The company further promised to provide timely updates as verified information becomes available to the public and stakeholders.

The incident drew significant attention because Broad Street, Lagos Island is home to numerous commercial banks, insurance firms, and corporate headquarters. This area serves as a hub for economic activity in Lagos, making any disruption a matter of public interest.

Although the exact cause of the fire remains under investigation, eyewitnesses reported that several people were safely evacuated from the high-rise building. Emergency services managed to prevent the fire from spreading to nearby properties.

The fire outbreak at Afriland Towers has reignited concerns about safety standards in Lagos’ high-density commercial centres. Experts have repeatedly cited risks such as electrical faults, generator malfunctions, and inverter-related accidents as recurring hazards in older high-rise buildings.

In recent years, regulators and property developers have intensified calls for stricter enforcement of building safety codes and improved emergency response protocols to prevent similar incidents.

As investigations continue, stakeholders and the public are advised to follow Afriland Properties’ official channels for verified information.