By John Umeh
The Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) has been plunged into mourning following the tragic death of four staff members in a fire outbreak that engulfed parts of the Afriland Towers on Broad Street, Lagos Island, on Tuesday, September 16, 2025.
The inferno, which spread quickly through the sixth and seventh floors of the high-rise building, housed two key operational arms of the agency — the Medium Tax Audit Office and the Onikan Emerging Tax Office. By the time emergency responders arrived, thick smoke had already enveloped the facility, making rescue efforts extremely difficult.
A Black Day for FIRS
In an official condolence message released on Wednesday, FIRS expressed its profound sorrow, describing the incident as a painful loss not only to the organization but also to the nation at large.
“The management and staff of the Federal Inland Revenue Service are heartbroken by the tragic loss of four of our colleagues in the fire incident that occurred at Afriland Towers. This devastating event has thrown the entire FIRS family into deep grief,” the agency said in its statement.
Security personnel within the building were said to have acted swiftly, contacting the fire service once the blaze was detected. However, the rapid spread of smoke and flames overwhelmed initial containment efforts. While some staff managed to escape unharmed and others were resuscitated, four officers could not be saved.
Emergency Response and Survivors
According to the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service, nine people were pulled from the affected floors. Out of these, five required urgent medical attention and were successfully revived, while others escaped unscathed. The coordinated efforts of emergency responders prevented an even greater tragedy, but the loss of lives has cast a long shadow over the agency and families of the victims.
FIRS confirmed that it is maintaining direct communication with the bereaved families, pledging financial and emotional support. “We are committed to standing with the families of our departed colleagues during this painful period. Their contributions, professionalism, and service to the nation will never be forgotten,” the agency emphasized.
Strengthening Safety Protocols
Beyond mourning, FIRS has also turned its focus toward preventing future tragedies. The agency revealed that it has begun a comprehensive review of safety protocols across all its offices — both owned and rented — nationwide. The aim is to reinforce emergency preparedness, improve fire response systems, and ensure that staff are adequately protected.
“We have commenced a thorough review of safety measures across our offices to strengthen our ability to respond to emergencies. The safety and well-being of our staff remain a top priority,” the statement added.
The incident has also reignited conversations about fire safety standards in high-rise office buildings on Lagos Island, many of which house major banks, government agencies, and corporate organizations.
Condolences and Public Reaction
Since news of the tragedy broke, tributes have poured in from across Nigeria. Colleagues, business partners, and members of the public have expressed solidarity with FIRS, noting the critical role the lost staff played in advancing the nation’s tax administration.
At the agency’s headquarters in Abuja, staff held a brief moment of silence on Wednesday morning to honor their late colleagues. Many were seen visibly shaken, with some describing the incident as the “darkest moment” in recent FIRS history.
Looking Ahead
While investigations into the exact cause of the fire are still ongoing, the Afriland Towers incident stands as a somber reminder of the importance of workplace safety. For FIRS, the tragedy is not just a loss of personnel, but also a call to action to ensure that no similar event occurs again.
As the families of the deceased prepare for burial rites, the agency has vowed to immortalize the memory of the four officers, describing them as dedicated civil servants who gave their best to the service of the nation until their final moments.
In the words of one grieving colleague: “They came to work to serve their country, and they paid the ultimate price. We will never forget them.”
