The Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) has expressed profound grief over the death of four of its staff members in the fire that engulfed Afriland Towers on Broad Street, Lagos, on Tuesday.
The fire broke out on the sixth and seventh floors of the building, which house the agency’s Medium Tax Audit Office and Onikan Emerging Tax Office.
In a condolence message released on its official X handle on Wednesday, the agency said its security and safety officials swiftly contacted the fire service, but thick smoke had already spread through the offices before emergency responders arrived.
“The Management and staff of the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) are deeply saddened by the tragic loss of four of our colleagues in the fire incident that occurred on Tuesday at Afriland Towers, Broad Street, Lagos. The unfortunate incident has thrown the entire FIRS community into mourning,” the statement read.
FIRS said it is maintaining close contact with the families of the victims and has pledged to provide them with necessary support during this difficult period. The agency also announced that it has begun a review of safety protocols across all its offices nationwide to prevent a recurrence.
“The Management and staff of FIRS extend heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families. We honour the memory of our departed colleagues whose professionalism and dedication were exemplary. In addition, we are reviewing and strengthening safety measures across all FIRS offices nationwide, both rented and owned, to ensure the safety of our people remains paramount,” it added.
The Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service confirmed that nine people were rescued from the blaze. Five were successfully resuscitated, while others escaped unhurt.
