By Kingston Magare 17.9.2025
The Federal Inland Revenues Services an Heirs Holdings and United Bank for Africa (UBA) chairman Tony Elumelu have expressed condolences to members of staff who lost their lives in Tuesday’s fire-outbreak at the Afriland Towers on Lagos Island.
The six-storey building, which houses offices of FIRS and a UBA branch was caught in an afternoon blaze from a fire which started from the basement floor. Panicky members of staff could be seen trying to jump off the building. Firefighters from the Lagos State Fire Service were able to bring the blaze under control.
Speaking on the incident Wednesday Mr. Elumelu said: “I am shattered by yesterday’s devastating incident at Afriland Towers, that took the lives of our dear colleagues.
“No words can capture the magnitude of this loss — not for their families who loved them, not for the friends who valued them, and not for those of us who worked beside them.
“Yesterday was a stark reminder of what truly matters: our irreplaceable people, those who walk through our doors each day and share our mission,” Elumelu’s message read in part.
FIRS chairman Zacch Adedeji in a statement signed by his special adviser on media Dare Adekanmbi, said four members of staff were lost in the incident. They include 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, Broad Street, Lagos, on Tuesday. FIRS is one of the tenants occupying the towers with our Medium Tax Audit and Onikan Emerging Tax Office housed on the sixth and seventh floors. Our security and safety officials quickly mobilized and contacted the fire service as soon as they were alerted. On getting to the scene, thick dark smoke was already billowing out of the building.
“The management and entire staff are in deep shock and sorrow over the development. They offer their condolences to the grieving families and are in touch with the families of our departed colleagues whose commitment to excellence, dedication and professionalism were never in doubt. We will provide all the necessary support at this trying time.”