Sanwo-Olu Commiserates with Victims of Afriland Towers Fire, Promises Robust Safety Measures

Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has extended heartfelt condolences to families, organisations, and residents affected by Tuesday’s devastating fire outbreak at Afriland Towers, a six-storey commercial building on Broad Street, Lagos Island.

The inferno, which tore through the property, claimed multiple lives and destroyed assets worth millions of naira. Particularly hard hit were the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), which lost four staff members, and United Capital Plc, where six employees perished. Several businesses operating in the complex were also affected, with offices and equipment consumed by the blaze.

In a statement issued on Thursday by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Gboyega Akosile, the governor described the incident as shocking and a significant loss to the state’s commercial hub. “It is with a heavy heart that I received the news of the fire outbreak at Afriland Towers,” Sanwo-Olu said. “Our thoughts and prayers are with the families, management, and staff of all organisations that lost their loved ones. I also wish those injured a quick recovery.”

Sanwo-Olu also sympathised with traders at Central Plaza, near Mandilas Market, who lost valuable merchandise to the inferno, noting that the tragedy underscores the need for stricter fire-prevention measures in busy business districts. He assured the affected victims of the government’s support as they rebuild their lives and livelihoods.

Reaffirming his administration’s commitment to public safety, the governor pledged to strengthen regulations and emergency preparedness across markets, commercial buildings, and high-risk locations in Lagos. He urged property owners and business operators to adhere strictly to fire-safety standards, including installing functional alarms, extinguishers, and clear evacuation routes.

Sanwo-Olu praised the coordinated efforts of first responders, including the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA), Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service, Lagos State Ambulance Service (LASAMBUS), the Federal Fire Service, and security operatives. He commended their swift action in containing the blaze and reducing the scale of casualties and damage.

The governor reiterated that the safety of residents and the protection of investments remain top priorities for his administration. “We will continue to review our safety infrastructure and support emergency agencies so that tragedies of this nature can be minimised or averted,” he said.

The cause of the fire is yet to be officially confirmed, but investigations by relevant agencies are ongoing.