Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has sympathised with families, organisations and residents affected by Tuesday’s fire outbreak at Afriland Towers on Broad Street, Lagos Island.
The six-storey commercial building went up in flames on Sept. 16, claiming lives and destroying property worth millions of naira.
In a statement released on Thursday by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Gboyega Akosile, Sanwo-Olu described the incident as tragic and shocking. The governor commiserated with the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) and United Capital PLC, which lost four and six staff members respectively in the inferno.
“The fire incident at Afriland Towers is a worrisome tragedy and a significant loss to the Lagos State Government, FIRS, United Capital PLC, and all other affected organisations and individuals.
It is with a heavy heart that I received news of the outbreak. Our thoughts and prayers are with the families, management, and staff of all who lost loved ones. I also wish the injured a speedy recovery,” he said.
Sanwo-Olu extended his condolences to traders at Central Plaza, near Mandilas Market, who reportedly lost goods and assets valued at millions of naira. He pledged that his administration would continue to strengthen safety measures and emergency response capacity to prevent similar disasters.
The governor also commended the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA), Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service, Lagos State Ambulance Service (LASAMBUS), the Federal Fire Service and other first responders for their swift intervention in extinguishing the fire and minimising casualties.
The Afriland Towers fire is among the most serious commercial building incidents on Lagos Island in recent years. It has reignited calls for stricter enforcement of building safety regulations, wider use of fire detection systems, and stronger public awareness on fire prevention.
